NHS warning to see GP if your cough lasts this long - could signal a deadly disease

Brits have been cautioned to seek immediate medical attention if they have a particularly persistent cough, with the NHS highlighting it as a potential red flag for a lethal condition responsible for around 34,800 deaths in the UK each year. Coughs are a fairly common symptom that most people will encounter many times throughout their lives. It is often due to seasonal sicknesses like colds, the flu or Covid – or as a result of hay fever, allergies, or exposure to irritants such as dust or smoke - but sometimes it can be more serious than it appears.

The NHS warns that a cough which lingers past three weeks could be an early indicator of lung cancer, the deadliest type of cancer in Britain reported by Cancer Research UK, contributing to 21 percent of all cancer fatalities. The health service advises anyone with this symptom to consult with their GP. Persistent coughing, especially when accompanied by blood, should never be overlooked.



Other “main” symptoms include: Less common symptoms of lung cancer include: The NHS advises: "See a GP if you have symptoms of lung cancer, such as breathlessness or a persistent cough." They add that the GP will discuss your overall health and symptoms, possibly conducting an examination and asking you to use a spirometer to measure your breathing. "You may be asked to have a blood test to rule out some of the possible causes of your symptoms, such as a chest infection.

" It's highlighted that smoking cigarettes is the most significant risk factor for lung cancer, accounting for over 70 percent of cases, with other risks including exposure to radon, asbestos, and fumes from coal and coke..