1 in 3 Youth in Delhi Has Damaged Lungs and Doesn’t Even Know It — New Study Raises Alarm

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): The lungs are one of the most vital organs in the human body, and even a minor issue with them can severely impact overall health. In today’s world, the rising levels of environmental pollution are proving extremely harmful to lung health. A recent study has revealed alarming facts about how Delhi’s toxic air is damaging the lungs of young individuals.

According to the report, 1 out of every 3 youth in Delhi may already be experiencing early signs of serious lung damage. If CT scans are conducted, structural damage is visible in the lungs of these individuals. While such signs are typically observed in older adults, doctors are now increasingly finding them in people in their 20s and 30s — a deeply concerning trend.

Data from the study shows that among individuals in Delhi and nearby regions who underwent CT scans, nearly one in three young adults showed symptoms of lung structural damage. The analysis, based on over 4,000 CT scans conducted in 2024, found conditions such as bronchiectasis, emphysema, fibrosis, and thickening of the bronchial walls in people aged between 20 and 30.

While the root cause may vary from person to person, the surge in lung disorders among the youth is being attributed to a combination of pollution, infections, smoking, and vaping. Health experts warn that this trend reflects growing health risks in large urban areas. Factors like outdoor and indoor air pollution, excessive use of tobacco and vaping products, and delayed diagnosis of respiratory issues are playing a major role. Delhi's frequently hazardous air quality is considered a major contributing factor to the problem.