ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) — In honor of National Respiratory Care Week, local medical professionals are urging South Georgia residents to stay proactive about their lung health and recognize early warning signs before conditions worsen.

Elizabeth Evarts, a respiratory therapist with AdaptHealth Georgia Home Medical in Albany, warned that ignoring persistent respiratory symptoms can trigger a dangerous ripple effect throughout the entire body.

“Especially in the early stages, an infection can progress rapidly. It’s just a domino effect of conditions that could make where it started worse,” Evarts said. “It can cause heart problems, lack of oxygen being transferred to other organs, and damage to lung tissue that sometimes can never heal the right way.”

While many associate lung screenings exclusively with chronic tobacco use, Evarts emphasized that anyone experiencing lingering symptoms should consult a physician. Key warning signs include:

• Chronic or persistent cough
• Unexplained shortness of breath
• Wheezing or whistling sounds while breathing
• Excessive mucus production
• Discomfort or tightness in the chest

Evarts noted that patients aged 50 to 80 are often at elevated risk, but several other non-smoking factors warrant regular screenings:

• Occupational and environmental hazards: Exposure to harmful workplace airborne particles such as asbestos, chemicals, or dust.
• Family medical history: Genetics involving lung cancer, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), or other chronic pulmonary illnesses.
• Persistent unexplained symptoms: Lingering wheezing or coughs that persist despite normal standard chest X-rays or imaging.
• Tobacco exposure: Both current and former smokers.

Respiratory health also heavily impacts sleep quality. Evarts explained that conditions like obstructive sleep apnea occur when the upper airway collapses during sleep, cutting off airflow and preventing restorative deep sleep.

Warning signs of sleep apnea include chronic loud snoring, waking up choking or gasping for air, frequent nighttime bathroom trips, morning headaches, and persistent daytime exhaustion despite a full night in bed.

Evarts said patients suspecting a respiratory or sleep condition should start with their primary care physician.

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