On the occasion of *World Lung Day* , pulmonology experts from Yatharth Super Speciality Hospital highlighted the growing burden of respiratory diseases across age groups and emphasized the importance of protecting lung health throughout life. Under the theme *“A Lifetime of Lung Health.”*
Respiratory illnesses can affect people across age groups and may present with symptoms such as persistent cough, breathlessness, wheezing, recurrent infections and allergies. Increasing exposure to air pollution, tobacco smoke, allergens and occupational dust and fumes can further contribute to respiratory health concerns, highlighting the importance of prevention, early recognition and timely medical care.
*Dr. Arunachalam M, Senior Consultant and Lead Unit II – Pulmonology, Yatharth Super Speciality Hospital, Noida, said* , “Respiratory illnesses are increasingly common in our OPD, with around 60–70% of patients presenting with lung or breathing-related complaints such as cough, breathlessness, wheezing and recurrent infections. Asthma, COPD, respiratory infections, allergic rhinitis, pneumonia, bronchitis and sleep-related breathing disorders are among the conditions we frequently encounter. Our lung patients are approximately 60% male and 40% female, with middle-aged and elderly adults particularly affected by chronic lung diseases. However, children, smokers and people exposed to air pollution or occupational irritants are also vulnerable. We are seeing more respiratory symptoms linked to air pollution, smoking and vaping, including among younger individuals. Protecting lung health requires avoiding tobacco, reducing pollution exposure, staying physically active and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. ‘A Lifetime of Lung Health’ means protecting our lungs from childhood, recognizing persistent symptoms early and seeking timely medical evaluation.”
*Dr. (Brig) Sarvinder Singh, HOD – Pulmonology, Yatharth Super Speciality Hospital, Omega-1, Greater Noida, said* , “In our OPD, around 20–30% of patients come with respiratory complaints such as asthma, COPD, allergic respiratory problems, recurrent chest infections, bronchitis, persistent cough, wheezing and breathlessness. The male-to-female ratio varies depending on the disease. COPD and smoking-related lung problems are more commonly seen among men, while asthma and allergic respiratory conditions affect both men and women. Air pollution, smoking, vaping, occupational exposure and seasonal infections are contributing to these concerns. People should avoid tobacco, reduce exposure to polluted air and workplace dust or fumes, stay physically active and not ignore persistent cough, breathlessness or wheezing. Early medical evaluation can help identify lung problems in time. The World Lung Day theme ‘A Lifetime of Lung Health’ reminds us that lung health needs attention throughout life.”
*Dr. Puneet Gupta, HOD – Pulmonology, Interventional Pulmonology & Sleep Medicine, Yatharth Super Speciality Hospital, Noida Extension, said* , “On World Lung Day, the theme ‘A Lifetime of Lung Health’ reminds us that lung health needs attention at every stage of life. In my OPD, more than 90% of patients presenting with respiratory complaints are being seen with problems such as asthma, allergic respiratory conditions, recurrent infections, bronchitis, COPD, chronic cough, breathlessness and wheezing. The male-to-female ratio is almost equal, showing that respiratory problems are not limited to one gender. Increasing exposure to air pollution, smoking, occupational dust and fumes, and allergies is contributing to these concerns. People should avoid tobacco, reduce exposure to polluted air and workplace hazards, stay physically active and not ignore persistent cough, breathlessness or wheezing. Early medical evaluation and timely treatment can help protect lung health throughout life.”
*Dr. Inder Mohan Chugh, Vice Chairman & HOD – Pulmonology, Yatharth Super Speciality Hospital, Model Town, Delhi, said* , “Lung health is a concern across all age groups, with respiratory problems increasingly seen among younger patients and non-smokers. In our Pulmonology OPD, approximately 80% of consultations are for COPD and bronchial asthma. We see a male-to-female patient ratio of about 60:40, although this varies by disease. Persistent cough, breathlessness, wheezing, respiratory infections and allergies are also common. The burden of chronic respiratory disease is greatest among those over 50, but children, smokers, elderly people and those exposed to air pollution or occupational hazards are also vulnerable. In Delhi-NCR, poor air quality can further aggravate symptoms. Protecting lung health requires avoiding tobacco, reducing pollution exposure, staying physically active, maintaining vaccinations and seeking timely evaluation for persistent symptoms. Lung health needs attention throughout life.”
As respiratory illnesses continue to affect people across age groups, experts emphasize that protecting lung health requires consistent care, awareness and preventive action throughout life. Avoiding tobacco, limiting exposure to air pollution and occupational hazards, staying physically active, maintaining recommended vaccinations and seeking timely medical attention for persistent respiratory symptoms can help support better lung health. On World Lung Day, the message is clear: Healthy lungs are essential for a healthier life, and protecting them is a lifelong responsibility.