By Dr. Subhakar Nadella, Senior Consultant & Lead Interventional Pulmonologist, KIMS Hospital, Kondapur
Introduction: Why Our Lungs Deserve a Day of Their Own
Every 25th September, the world unites to celebrate World Lung Day – a day dedicated to the unsung heroes of our body: our lungs. These two sponge-like organs sit quietly inside our chest, working 24/7, taking in oxygen and pushing out carbon dioxide. We rarely notice them, yet without them, life stops in minutes.
As a pulmonologist, I often see how we take breathing for granted—until disease, pollution, or lifestyle choices remind us just how precious each breath is. From asthma in children to lung cancer in adults, the spectrum of lung diseases is growing. This is why World Lung Day is not just a symbolic event, but a life-saving reminder to pause, reflect, and act.
This year’s theme, “Healthy Lungs, Healthy Life,” emphasizes that our overall wellbeing begins with the health of our lungs. Let’s explore what makes our lungs so vital, the challenges they face, and the steps we can all take to protect them.
The Role of Lungs: Our Life Engine
Your lungs are not just bags of air. They are complex organs that:
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Oxygenate the blood – bringing in oxygen with every inhale.
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Expel waste – releasing carbon dioxide with every exhale.
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Filter pollutants – trapping dust, microbes, and harmful particles.
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Support immunity – producing defense molecules to fight infections.
Think of them as your body’s air-purifying system and power generator. Every cell in your body depends on them. When lungs are healthy, you feel energetic, focused, and resilient. When lungs suffer, every system—from your heart to your brain—pays the price.
The Growing Burden of Lung Diseases
Despite their importance, lung health is under siege worldwide.
1. COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
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A progressive disease often linked to smoking and pollution.
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Causes breathlessness, cough, and frequent hospital visits.
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WHO predicts COPD will be the third leading cause of death globally by 2030.
2. Asthma
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Affects over 300 million people globally.
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Triggered by dust, pollen, exercise, or stress.
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With proper management, patients can live full, active lives.
3. Lung Cancer
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Smoking remains the leading cause, but rising air pollution is a major contributor.
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Often diagnosed late, making prevention and early detection critical.
4. Infections like Pneumonia & Tuberculosis
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Common in countries like India, especially among children and the elderly.
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Vaccination and timely treatment save lives.
5. The New Age Threat: Air Pollution
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WHO estimates 9 out of 10 people worldwide breathe polluted air.
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Linked to lung disease, heart disease, stroke, and even dementia.
Clearly, our lungs are fighting battles every single day.
World Lung Day 2025: The Global Message
The World Lung Foundation and respiratory societies around the globe have chosen the theme “Healthy Lungs, Healthy Life” this year.
The message is simple: we cannot dream of a healthy life without healthy lungs. Just as we brush our teeth or eat nutritious food daily, we must consciously care for our lungs. This is not just an individual responsibility—it’s a collective mission.
Five Golden Rules for Healthy Lungs
Here are practical steps you can start today:
1. Stay Smoke-Free 🚭
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Cigarettes, cigars, hookah, and even vaping damage lung tissue.
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Second-hand smoke is equally harmful—protect children and family members.
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Quitting smoking adds years to your life, regardless of age.
2. Stay Active 🏃♀️
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Walking, jogging, swimming, and yoga improve lung capacity.
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Deep breathing exercises help expand your lungs.
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Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity daily.
3. Eat for Your Lungs 🍇🥦
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Antioxidant-rich foods (berries, green leafy vegetables, nuts, fish) reduce inflammation.
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Hydration keeps mucus thin, preventing infections.
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Avoid ultra-processed foods that worsen inflammation.
4. Vaccinate to Protect 💉
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Annual flu shots and pneumococcal vaccines are essential, especially for the elderly and those with chronic illnesses.
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COVID-19 booster shots where applicable.
5. Fight Pollution & Climate Change 🌱
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Plant trees, use public transport, and reduce plastic burning.
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Wear masks in high-pollution areas.
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Support clean energy policies for a healthier environment.
Lung Health Across Life Stages
🧒 Children
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Protect from passive smoke exposure.
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Encourage outdoor play for natural lung development.
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Early diagnosis of asthma prevents complications.
👩 Adults
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Avoid smoking and occupational hazards.
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Manage allergies and respiratory infections promptly.
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Regular health check-ups after 30.
👵 Elderly
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Vaccinations are crucial.
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Gentle exercise keeps lungs strong.
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Monitor for COPD, fibrosis, or lung cancer signs.
My Experience as a Pulmonologist
At KIMS Hospital, Kondapur, I see patients from all walks of life—software professionals battling pollution-related asthma, elderly individuals with COPD, and young non-smokers diagnosed with lung cancer.
The biggest lesson? Awareness saves lives.
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Patients who quit smoking early breathe better for decades.
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Those who adopt fitness routines recover faster after infections.
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Families who vaccinate their elderly reduce hospital visits drastically.
World Lung Day is my reminder to spread this awareness beyond hospital walls.
Practical Tips for Daily Lung Care
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Open windows early morning for fresh air, but keep them closed during peak traffic hours.
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Practice pranayama (breathing exercises like anulom-vilom).
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Invest in indoor plants like snake plant or peace lily for better air quality.
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Avoid incense sticks or chemical air fresheners indoors.
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If you have persistent cough, breathlessness, or chest pain—don’t ignore it. See a doctor early.
Consulting Location
📍 Dr. Subhakar Nadella
Senior Consultant & Lead Interventional Pulmonologist
KIMS Hospital, Kondapur, Hyderabad
Expert in COPD, Asthma, Bronchoscopy, Interventional Pulmonology, and Advanced Lung Care.
FAQs on Lung Health
Q1. How do I know if my lungs are healthy?
If you can walk briskly, climb stairs without breathlessness, and don’t suffer frequent coughs, chances are your lungs are doing well. Regular lung function tests are recommended if you are at risk.
Q2. Is occasional smoking safe?
No. Even “social smoking” damages lung tissue and raises cancer risk.
Q3. Can pollution masks really help?
Yes, N95 or equivalent masks filter harmful particles and are effective in polluted environments.
Q4. Which is worse—smoking or air pollution?
Both are harmful. Smoking directly damages lung tissue, while pollution causes long-term chronic irritation. Combined, they multiply risk.
Q5. Can exercise reverse lung damage?
Exercise cannot reverse permanent damage like fibrosis, but it can improve lung capacity and quality of life.
