Healthy lungs, healthy life - awareness is the first step

World Lung Day is observed across the globe to highlight the importance of lung health and raise awareness about respiratory diseases. Initiated by the Forum of International Respiratory Societies (FIRS), the day focuses on prevention, early diagnosis, and equitable access to treatment.

Dr. Peddi Srikanth, Sr. Consultant, Clinical & Interventional Pulmonology at Star Hospital , emphasizes that protecting our lungs is essential, especially in a country like India, where air pollution, smoking, and indoor biomass exposure continue to harm millions.

Why Does World Lung Day Matters?

Our lungs are vital for life, yet lung diseases are among the leading causes of illness and death worldwide. This day draws attention to:

•​Spreading awareness about common lung conditions like COPD, asthma, and lung cancer.

•​Encouraging early diagnosis for better treatment outcomes.

•​Addressing global challenges like pollution and tobacco use.

•​Advocating equal access to care and treatment for all.

Lung Health in India: The Statistics

•​COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease): Affects around 7.4% of Indian adults, with some studies showing higher prevalence in men (11.4%) than women (7.4%). Biomass fuel use makes women equally vulnerable.

•​Asthma: Around 1.18% prevalence across genders, with many cases going undiagnosed.

•​Lung Cancer: In 2015, India reported over 70,000 new cases, with men more commonly affected.

Overall, lung diseases contribute significantly to poor health and mortality in India, making awareness and prevention critical.

Dr. Peddi Srikanth, Sr. Consultant, Clinical & Interventional Pulmonology at Star Hospitals, Hyderabad

Types of Lung Diseases

Lung diseases fall broadly into three groups:

•​Airway Diseases: Affect the tubes carrying air in and out, such as asthma, COPD, bronchitis, and bronchiectasis. Patients often describe it as “trying to breathe through a straw.”

•​Lung Tissue Diseases: Affect the structure of lung tissue, such as pulmonary fibrosis and sarcoidosis. Breathing feels like “wearing a too-tight vest.”

•​Lung Circulation Diseases: Affect blood vessels in the lungs, such as pulmonary hypertension. Patients often feel extremely breathless with minimal activity.

Many people may experience a combination of these conditions.

Common Lung Conditions

Some of the most frequent problems include:

•​Asthma

•​Chronic bronchitis and COPD

•​Lung infections like pneumonia

•​Lung cancer

•​Pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs)

•​Pulmonary embolism (blocked lung artery)

•​Collapsed lung (pneumothorax or atelectasis)

Recognising Symptoms Early

Warning signs that should never be ignored include:

•​Persistent cough or wheezing

•​Shortness of breath even at rest or light activity

•​Chest pain or tightness

•​Recurrent lung infections

•​Unexplained fatigue or weight loss

Seeking medical help early can make a big difference in outcomes.

Prevention and Better Lung Health

•​Avoid smoking and second-hand smoke.

•​Limit exposure to air pollution and use masks when necessary.

•​Use clean fuels and improve ventilation at home to avoid biomass smoke exposure.

•​Stay active with regular exercise.

•​Get timely vaccinations to prevent respiratory infections.