Today is World Lung Day. With every breath we take in the oxygen the body needs to keep going, and the lungs are at the centre of that vital work. The organ that delivers oxygen to the body and removes carbon dioxide is constantly at risk for many reasons. World Lung Day is marked every year on September 25 to raise awareness of lung health.
The global picture of lung disease is worrying. According to World Health Organization figures published in 2026, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) was linked to about 3.4 million deaths in 2023. In the same year, an estimated 363 million people had asthma, and about 442,000 died of it. Smoking is one of the biggest causes of lung damage. Long-term exposure to the smoke of cigarettes, bidis, cigars or hookahs raises the risk of COPD, chronic bronchitis, emphysema and lung cancer. Second-hand smoke is harmful too. Vehicle exhaust, industrial emissions, construction dust and smoke from burning rubbish can also harm the respiratory system. The home environment matters as well: when cooking with wood or coal without enough ventilation, smoke that builds up indoors can worsen breathing problems over time. Children, women and older people may be at greater risk.
The symptoms of lung disease are not always the same. A long-lasting cough, phlegm, repeated breathlessness, getting out of breath with little effort, wheezing, a heavy chest or frequent respiratory infections should be taken seriously. If a persistent cough comes with fever, night sweats and unexplained weight loss, tuberculosis should also be considered.
The first step to healthy lungs is staying away from smoking and tobacco. Keeping the home smoke-free, avoiding air pollution, ensuring good ventilation, washing hands regularly and getting the necessary vaccines to prevent infection are also important. Regular physical activity helps maintain overall fitness. Long-lasting or severe breathlessness should not be ignored, however. Depending on need, a doctor may order a chest X-ray, CT scan, spirometry, blood or sputum tests and other investigations. Sudden severe breathlessness, blue lips, severe chest pain or coughing up significant amounts of blood need urgent emergency care.
Caring for the lungs is not a matter of one day. Smoke-free air, healthy habits and timely treatment are what can make every breath safer.
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report