WORLD LUNG DAY (WLD)
SEPTEMBER 25
Lungs, the essential organs
responsible for exchanging gases in the human body, are increasingly under
threat from multiple factors such as smoking, pollution, respiratory
infections, etc. Respiratory conditions can affect people in all countries;
however, it disproportionally affects low-and middle-income countries (LMICs)
where there is a scarcity of resources for management, prevention and research.
The lung is highly vulnerable to damage and infection from external
environmental factors due to constant exposure to chemicals, particles, and
infectious organisms in the air. Globally, at least 200 crore people are
exposed to toxic smoke of biomass fuel, usually burned in indoor stoves (poorly
ventilated) or fireplaces, 100 crore people to polluted outdoor air and 100
crore to tobacco smoke.The theme for World Lung Day 2026 is ‘A Lifetime of Lung
Health’, established by the Forum of International Respiratory Societies
(FIRS). The broader focus of this theme remains consistent: promoting healthy
lungs, preventing respiratory disease and improving access to respiratory care.Whether
you are a smoker, live in an area with high pollution or simply want to
maintain healthy lungs, World Lung Day is a good reminder to take respiratory
health seriously.
Five respiratory diseases are the
most typical causes of sickness and death worldwide such as asthma, chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer, acute respiratory tract
infection and tuberculosis (TB). The burden of these respiratory conditions is
high in low-to-middle-income countries, which are aggravated by smoking, air
pollution and climate change. Worldwide, over 6.5 lakhs people suffer from
COPD-the third leading cause of death- and the numbers are increasing, asthma
is the most typical long-term disease of childhood, affecting around 14% of
kids and its occurrence in children is increasing, tuberculosis is the
deadliest infectious disease, with 1.04 crore cases and 14 lakh losses (deaths)
annually and lung cancer is the most common deadly neoplasm globally and the
numbers are rising.
Pneumonia has been among the leading
causes of death for decades and is the top cause of death in children under
five years, sleep apnea impacts more than 1 crore individuals, and up to 10% of
adults in specific settings, more than 5 crore people are affected by
occupational lung disease, pulmonary hypertension happens in approximately 1%
of the global population with a higher prevalence (10%) of those over 65 years
of age and pulmonary embolism occurs at an incidence of 6-20 per 100,000.
However, but this is grossly underestimated (this figure needs to be more
recognized). World Lung Day acts as an essential medium to emphasise healthy
lungs, the pressing need to identify, prevent and treat several lung conditions
and increase awareness regarding lung illnesses, promote lung health and
support improved healthcare access.This year, 2026, the World Lung Day theme is
“A Lifetime of Lung Health.” This theme highlights the need to protect and
promote healthy lungs at every stage of life, from childhood to older age. It
encourages prevention of respiratory diseases, early diagnosis and treatment,
cleaner air, and equitable access to quality lung care for all.“Lung disease is
always present around us, whether from the common cold, air pollution or
chronic illness, that takes your breath away. Our lungs require attention,”
says Terry Dean, President and CEO of The National Lung Associatio
The idea of World Lung Day (WLD) was
first created during the 2016 FIRS Kyoto Assembly meeting hosted by Michiaki
Mishima, FIRS President. The Forum of International Respiratory Societies
(FIRS) is the association of international respiratory societies collaborating
to enhance lung health worldwide. FIRS organisation has around 100,000 members,
united and working together for the FIRS mission to promote worldwide lung
health through collaboration with other global organisations such as the World
Health Organisation (WHO).Lung diseases can be prevented by detecting and
treating the underlying cause early and practising the following preventive
measures by: Abstaining smoking
Avoiding exposure to air pollutants
and certain chemicals Avoiding second-hand smoke ,Eating a healthy diet ,Getting
regular checkups ,Being physically active,Taking vaccines
Prof.John Kurakar
