Your lungs work hard every single day, yet most of us only notice them when something goes wrong. This World Lung Day, it’s the perfect time to pause and focus on lung health, early warning signs of lung disease, and ways to protect your respiratory system, especially with air pollution on the rise and lingering COVID-19 effects still affecting many.We spoke with Dr. Vivek Nangia, Vice Chairman & Head of Pulmonology at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket, and Dr. Shiba Kalyan Biswal, Clinical Director of Pulmonology at Marengo Asia Hospitals, Gurugram, to break down the most pressing lung health issues today and how you can take charge.
Common lung diseases today and why they’re increasing
Both experts note that lung diseases are on the rise, affecting not just older adults but increasingly young adults and even children.Dr. Nangia explains, “The most common lung diseases we see are bronchial asthma, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), interstitial lung diseases, lung cancer, and respiratory infections like tuberculosis, pneumonia, and influenza. These are increasing due to rising air pollution, personal smoking habits, and post-COVID complications. Early signs like cough, breathlessness, chest tightness, and low-grade fever are often missed.”Dr. Biswal adds, “We are also seeing a rise in lung cancer, asthma, and COPD in younger patients. Factors like indoor pollutants, sedentary lifestyle, and worsening air quality are contributing. Even children now present with respiratory issues that were once mostly seen in older adults.”
Early warning signs you shouldn’t ignore
Legitimate red flags for lung disease often get brushed off as a cold or pollution-related cough. Here’s what to watch for:
- Persistent cough or wheezing
- Shortness of breath with mild exertion
- Chest tightness or unexplained fatigue
- Recurrent respiratory infections
- Chest pain (especially in smokers)
- Subtle signs in children, like tiredness or slower activity levels
Dr. Biswal warns, “Ignoring these symptoms delays diagnosis and allows the disease to progress, making treatment harder and more complex.”
COVID-19’s long-term impact on lungs
Even years after recovery, COVID-19 continues to affect lung health. Dr. Biswal notes, “Many patients experience chronic breathlessness, scarring of lung tissue, or pulmonary fibrosis. These individuals benefit from long-term follow-up and lung rehabilitation to manage persistent symptoms.”
Lifestyle and exercises for stronger lungs
The good news? You can actively improve lung capacity and respiratory health.Dr. Nangia recommends:
- Yoga & breathing exercises: Bhramari, Bhastrika, Anulom Vilom, Kapalbhati, Ujjayi, deep belly breathing, and pursed-lip breathing can strengthen lungs and ease breathlessness.
- Diet: Focus on antioxidant-rich foods like broccoli, spinach, beetroot, carrots, oranges, berries, guava, and healthy spices like turmeric, garlic, cumin, and cinnamon.
- Vaccinations: Annual flu shots and pneumococcal vaccines for those at risk.
- Environment: Reduce exposure to air pollution, both indoors and outdoors.
Dr. Biswal adds:
- Engage in aerobic exercises like brisk walking or swimming
- Avoid smoking
- Maintain a healthy weight and stay hydrated
- Include breathing exercises like pranayama to gradually build lung capacity
Protecting children’s lungs
Starting lung-friendly habits early can make a huge difference.Dr Vivek Nangia advises, so for the parents, the simple advice that I want to give is to prevent the damage being done to our children’s lungs, we should quit smoking, ensure that nobody’s involved in vaping as it also damages the lungs majorly. Children should be regularly exercising outdoors, but at the same time, we should ensure that the outdoor air quality is good. If not good, then they should be doing it indoors only. Give the children some antioxidant rich diets, as I just said, and avoid air pollution as much as possible.Dr. Shiba Kalyan Biswal says for children, it is important to ensure that their surroundings are smoke free and exposure to air pollution is reduced, they also should be encouraged to be physically active outdoors, and stay up to date on their vaccinations. Building these habits at a young age is a great way to improve their lungs and lower their chances of developing chronic lung disease as adults.This World Lung Day 2025, take a moment to listen to your lungs. Persistent cough, shortness of breath, or fatigue isn’t just “part of getting older” ; it could be a warning sign of COPD, asthma, or even heart-related lung complications. Early detection, lifestyle changes, and proper medical care can make a world of difference for both adults and children.
