Online lung health checker

How healthy are your lungs?
Find out here.

This short checklist will take five minutes

This is a tool provided by the Irish Cancer Society for information only and is not intended to replace a consultation with a doctor.

First of all, what is your age?

Are you male or female?

Question 1

Do you have a new persistent or changed cough?
2/9

Question 1

New and persistent cough

Many people joke about their 'smoker's cough'. But remember, there is no such thing.
A new cough or a change in a long term cough is a sign that there is something wrong with your lungs.
Don't just accept your cough, it's not normal. It may not be serious, but it's best to get it checked out by your doctor.
2/9

Question 1

New and persistent cough

A new cough or a change in a long-term cough is a sign that there is something wrong with your lungs.
It may not be serious, but it's best to get it checked out by your doctor.
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Question 2

Do you cough up phlegm or blood?
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Question 2

Phlegm or blood

If you are coughing up blood, it is very important that you report this to your doctor as soon as possible.
Coughing up phlegm can be a sign of infection but it can also be something more serious. it's best to get it checked out by your doctor.
3/9

Question 2

Phlegm or blood

Coughing up phlegm or blood is not normal. If you ever experience this symptom, tell your doctor straight away.
3/9

Question 3

Do you suffer from shortness of breath?
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Question 3

Feeling short of breath

There are lots of reasons why you might feel short of breath, but it's really important that you tell your doctor about it.
They can help you figure out what is causing your symptoms.
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Question 3

Feeling short of breath

Most people breathe about 12 to 15 times a minute, that's about 17,000 times a day.
It's good news that you do not have any problems with breathlessness.
4/9

Question 4

Do you have pain or tightness in your chest, especially when you cough or breathe in?
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Question 4

Pain in your chest

Most people think that pain in their chest can only be caused by heart problems, but your lungs can also cause you pain or tightness.
It is very important that you tell your doctor about this symptom as soon as possible so that they can figure out the cause of the pain.
5/9

Question 4

Pain in your chest

Pain in your chest can be a very uncomfortable symptom, so it's good news that you do not have this.
We sometimes forget about our lungs because we can't see them, but remember that if coughing or breathing in causes you pain, you need to visit your doctor to have your lungs examined.
5/9

Question 5

Do you get chest infections that won't go away, even after antibiotics?
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Question 5

Chest infections

Chest infections are common, especially during the winter months. But if you experience repeated chest infections, talk to your GP. Repeated chest infections are not normal, so talk to your doctor about having a chest X-ray.
An X-ray is a simple test that takes a few minutes, it doesn't hurt and can usually be arranged quite quickly in your local hospital. This will give your doctor a clear picture of your lungs.
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Question 5

Chest infections

Chest infections are common, especially during the winter months. But if you experience repeated chest infections, talk to your doctor about having a chest X-ray.
6/9

Question 6

Swelling in the face or neck Changes in the shape of your fingers Hoarse voice Problems swallowing Shoulder pain Shoulder pain

Do you have unusual changes such as:

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Question 6

Unusual changes

These symptoms may sound unusual in a lung health checklist, but symptoms can occur anywhere, so it's important to listen to your body. It's important to tell your doctor about any symptom you have, no matter how unusual it might seem.
If you notice any other unusual change in how your body works, getting it checked is not wasting anyone's time. It could save your life.
7/9

Question 6

Unusual changes

These symptoms sound unusual in a lung health checklist, but symptoms can occur anywhere, so it's important to listen to your body. If you notice any other unusual change in how your body works, talk to your doctor. The chances are it will not be cancer but getting it checked is not wasting anyone's time. It could save your life.
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Question 7

Are you a smoker or an ex-smoker?
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Question 7

Smoking

If you smoke, deciding to quit could save your life. After completing the rest of this checklist, you can find out more about giving up smoking at www.cancer.ie
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Question 7

Smoking

Congratulations. Not smoking is the number one thing you can do to keep your lungs healthy.
If you know someone who smokes, encourage them to complete our lung health checklist.
8/9

Question 8

Are you exposed to second-hand smoke, fumes or radon in your home or workplace?
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Question 8

Smoke, fumes or radon exposure

Your lungs can be damaged if exposed to hazardous substances. Keep safe by ensuring your home and workplace are smoke free and follow health and safety guidelines.
If you are worried about exposure to any of these substances, talk to your doctor.
9/9

Question 8

Smoke, fumes or radon exposure

Your lungs can be damaged if exposed to hazardous substances. Keep safe by ensuring your home and workplace are smoke free and follow health and safety guidelines.
9/9

Thank you

Thank you for taking part in the Irish Cancer Society Online Lung Health Checker.

Remember this checklist is not a substitute for a doctor. If you are concerned about your lungs, please contact your doctor, regardless of what results you have on our checklist.

For more information call our Support Line Freephone 1800 200 700 and speak to one of our cancer nurses for confidential advice, support and information.

For information and support about giving up smoking, visit www.quit.ie

You may find it helpful to print your results for your conversation with your GP. Please print your report here.

Why not share the checklist with your family and friends?

Your results

This online lung health checker has been created by the Irish Cancer Society to assist the community in monitoring their lung health.

It is intended to be used as a guide only and is not an authoritative statement. Please consult your doctor for medical opinion or advice.

This checker is kindly supported by Medtronic. With thanks to Lung Foundation Australia for sharing their lung health checklist

Symptoms:

  • No Symptoms

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For more information call our Support Line Freephone 1800 200 700 and speak to one of our cancer nurses for confidential advice, support and information.
For information and support about giving up smoking, visit www.quit.ie