World Lung Day 2025: Why lung disease isn’t just a smoker’s problem and how India can close the care gap

On World Lung Day it is vital to remember that lung disease is not only smoker's problem and India must work to close the care gap.(Image: Pexels)

Lung disease causes a huge health burden in India. As per to a report by the World Cancer Research Fund, India had the fourth highest numberof new lung cancer cases in the world in 2022, with 81,748 cases reported. Despite the rise, conditions like COPD, asthma, tuberculosis and lung cancer, often go undiagnosed until late stages.Lack of awareness and myths surrounding lung diseases make matters worse.

Speaking about lung disease in the country Dr Arvind Kumar, Chairman Lung Transplant and Chest Surgery,  Medanta, Gurugram, says, “Recent studies reveal over 14% of adults over 45 suffer from obstructive lung disease, with COPD being the most common. Yet only a small fraction are diagnosed early enough for effective treatment.”

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He brings attention to the glaring inequity in India’s healthcare system. “Patients in metro cities benefit from diagnostics and therapies, but in rural areas, even inhalers or oxygen cylinders can be hard to come by.” This gap results in late diagnoses, higher death rates, and needless suffering.

Awareness remains low. Dr Kumar informs, “Only about 12% of men and 11% of women with obstructive lung disease have had prior diagnoses. Myths and stigma discourage many from seeking help.”

Dr Kumar told Moneycontrol some common myths that may cause harm, and reveals the facts for prevention 

• Myth: Only smokers get lung diseases

• Myth: If you don’t have symptoms, your lungs are fine

• Myth: Respiratory diseases only affect the elderly

• Myth: Exercise is dangerous for lung patients

• Myth: Lung cancer is only for smokers or older adults

Here are some simple tips to keep your lungs healthy: 

• Lifestyle tips for stronger lungs: Managing lung health requires more than medicine. Daily habits can bolster lung resilience, especially amid pollution and other risks.

• Stay active: Maintain an active life by including walking, cycling, yoga, or swimming in your daily routine. These help build lung capacity and stamina.

• Identify triggers: Remember to avoid dust, smoke, pollen, and stress. These can cause more harm than you know.

• Keep indoor air clean: in order to keep your home and workplace clean, use purifiers, better ventilation and minimise dust.

• Eat well and hydrate: What you eat matters. Focus on antioxidant-rich foods as they add lung repair and reduce inflammation.

• Manage stress: Your anxiety can worsen respiratory symptoms. Practice, breathing exercises, and meditation to keep your lungs healthy.

• Get regular check-ups: Sometimes the symptoms are subtle, therefore, periodic lung function test can help catch problems early.

Q: What are the common risk factors for lung diseases?

A: Common risk factors include smoking, pollution, genetics, and workplace hazards.

Q: Can lung diseases affect young people and children?

A: Yes, young people and children are increasingly at risk, especially in polluted urban areas or homes using biomass fuels.

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Q: Is exercise beneficial for lung patients?

A: Yes, regular activity and pulmonary rehab can improve lung capacity and quality of life.

Q: Do lung diseases only show symptoms in advanced stages?

A: Early-stage lung diseases like COPD or lung cancer can be silent until serious damage happens.

Q: How can I keep my lungs healthy?

A: Maintain an active lifestyle, avoid triggers like dust and smoke, keep indoor air clean, eat antioxidant-rich foods, manage stress, and get regular check-ups.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for a specific health diagnosis.