Lungs are a very important part of our body, because they help us breathe and supply oxygen to the body. Often people associate lung disease only with pollution, smoking or infection, but in many cases there can be genetic reasons behind it. If someone in the family has asthma, COPD or other lung related disease, then it becomes even more important to be cautious. The special thing is that lung problems do not always start only with cough, but there can be many other signs too, which can be difficult to ignore.

According to medical research, genetics also play a role in some lung diseases. Meaning, if someone in the family is already suffering from lung disease, it can affect the next generation as well. For example, alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency is a genetic condition that can be passed from parents to children and can cause serious lung damage if not diagnosed in time.

Similarly, the World Health Organization also believes that diseases like asthma are not caused only by pollution or allergy, but both genetic and environmental factors work in it. That means, if someone in the house has asthma then the rest of the family members also need to be cautious. Studies published in the medical journal The Lancet Respiratory Medicine suggest that family history can be a major risk factor in chronic lung disease, especially when it is accompanied by triggers like smoking or pollution.

shortness of breath and chest tightness
If you start feeling short of breath without much effort or feel tightness in the chest again and again, then do not ignore it as normal fatigue. According to the American Lung Association report, shortness of breath can be an early sign of reduced lung function. Especially if these symptoms appear again and again, it is important to get checked by a doctor.

frequent infections and mucus
If you or a family member complains of frequent chest infections, pneumonia or prolonged mucus, this can also be a warning. According to a study published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine, people with chronic lung disease are at higher risk of infection. Prolonged mucus or change in color can also be a serious sign.