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News18
03-08-2025
- Health
- News18
That Morning Cough You Keep Ignoring Could Be Lung Cancer: Here's When To See A Doctor
Last Updated: If your morning cough has lasted more than 2–3 weeks, it could be an early warning sign of lung cancer, not just pollution or age. A persistent morning cough is often brushed off as something harmless, pollution, smoking, a dusty bedroom fan, or simply a part of getting older. However, ignoring this symptom could mean overlooking the early signs of a serious underlying condition, including lung cancer. Every year, 1st August is observed as World Lung Cancer Day, a reminder to prioritize lung health and the early detection of warning signs. Among these, the chronic morning cough stands out as one of the most overlooked symptoms. Many people tolerate it for weeks even months attributing it to environmental irritants or seasonal changes. But a cough that lasts more than 2–3 weeks, especially when accompanied by phlegm, hoarseness, chest discomfort, fatigue, or weight loss, should never be taken lightly. Dr. Rajesh Kumar Gupta, Director, Yashoda Institute of Respiratory Medicine & Interventional Pulmonology, says, 'We often see patients who delay seeking help until their condition has significantly progressed. This delay can be tragic when it comes to lung cancer, one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. In India, the burden is growing due to rising pollution levels, smoking, and indoor exposure to biomass fuels used in cooking. What makes lung cancer particularly dangerous is that most cases are diagnosed at an advanced stage, when treatment becomes more complex and outcomes less favourable." Cough lasting more than 3 weeks Coughing up blood Chest pain or breathlessness Persistent fatigue or voice changes Sudden, unexplained weight loss Importantly, non-smokers are not immune. Urban residents constantly exposed to high levels of air pollution and indoor pollutants are also at risk. Take your morning cough seriously. If it's lingering or worsening, consult a pulmonologist. A simple chest X-ray or CT scan could provide critical insight into your lung health. view comments First Published: August 03, 2025, 10:01 IST News lifestyle » health-and-fitness That Morning Cough You Keep Ignoring Could Be Lung Cancer: Here's When To See A Doctor Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Hindustan Times
18-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Bomb threat SOP issued for schools in Delhi
The Directorate of Education (DoE) has rolled out a comprehensive standard operating procedure (SOP) to tackle bomb threats in schools, officials said. The directive comes after guidelines from the Delhi high court, aligning with guidelines of Ministry of Education, Government of India, Delhi Police and National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). The 115-point SOP, also seen by HT, has been formulated to institutionalise preventive and responsive measures for schools functioning under the Delhi government including government aided, minority and recognised unaided private schools. According to the new deadline, all the above mentioned schools must conduct regular mock drills, install surveillance systems, and maintain strict access control. 'Heads of schools will lead emergency responses, coordinating with police, fire services, and disaster management teams. Further, teachers will receive training to guide evacuations, while students are supposed to follow safety protocols and report suspicious activities,' Mohinder Pal, additional director of education, stated in the order. 'Every threat will be treated as real until proven otherwise,' the SOP stated, adding that schools must avoid panic and immediately alert authorities upon receiving a bomb threat. Evacuation routes and safe assembly points are already identified, with special provisions for children with disabilities. Furthermore, parents are advised to keep contact details updated and avoid spreading unverified information. According to the SOP, Delhi Police will cordon off affected areas, manage crowds, and assess threats, while fire services remain on standby. However, they will not handle explosives. Traffic police will have to ensure clear routes for emergency vehicles, as per the SOP. Rajesh Kumar Gupta, principal of the Government Boys Senior Secondary School, Model Town said that the SOP appoints the head of the school as the incident manager and outlines their responsibilities across four critical phases. 'Prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery are the crucial points. From overseeing monthly safety walks, mock drills, and threat assessment protocols, to ensuring the readiness of emergency response toolkits, the plan equips us to lead with both authority and accountability. After the threat, schools will provide counselling, document lessons, and get any damages repaired before resuming the classes,' he said Meanwhile, some private schools stated that most requisites mentioned in the SOP are already in place. Sudha Acharya, principal of ITL Public School, Dwarka said they have implemented the SOP. 'A school disaster management committee, comprising all key stakeholders, regularly sensitises students about safety measures and precautionary actions to be implemented when faced by such situations,' she said. Parents association pointed out that many government schools do not even possess basic infrastructure facilities required in such situation. 'There is a huge lag between orders issued and its implementation, there should be an orderly way to track if these changes are implemented, through a website or a portal, that will help to provide a clear picture of which school are the safe in terms of infrastructure upgrade,' Aparajita Gautam, president of the Delhi Parents Association said.
