Lung Health for All

On September 25th, World Lung Day is celebrated, a date dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of respiratory health. In 2025, the global campaign's theme is 'Lung Health for All', coordinated by the Forum of International Respiratory Societies (FIRS).

This year's campaign highlights the urgent need for action in favor of lung health, focusing on the implementation of public policies that promote equity in access to respiratory care. The Global Allergy and Airways Patient Platform (GAAPP) urges governments to implement the actions outlined in the Integrated Lung Health Resolution, unanimously approved at the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva in May 2025.

According to pulmonologist and Sleep Medicine Specialist Dr. Jessica Polese, the date is an opportunity to reinforce the importance of healthy habits, quitting smoking, regular physical activity, as well as seeking medical guidance in case of persistent respiratory symptoms, and the importance of vaccination.

The doctor reminds us that in addition to smoking, attention must be paid to air pollution and other factors, such as: dust, chemicals, solvents, pesticides, and fibers (like asbestos) can cause pneumoconioses and other chronic respiratory problems. 'It is also very important to pay attention to indoor pollution, poor ventilation at home, as well as certain types of jobs, exposure to air pollutants (vehicle smoke, industries, waste burning, fine dust), all of which increase the risk of asthma, bronchitis, COPD, and lung cancer,' warns the doctor.

Lung cancer is often silent and aggressive. Early symptoms include persistent cough, blood-stained sputum, chest pain, hoarseness, weight loss, and loss of appetite. 'In smokers, an unusual cough, recurrent respiratory infections like pneumonia, as well as frequent fatigue, are warning signs that deserve attention,' she emphasizes.

Jessica points out that lung cancer is one of the most common forms worldwide. 'It is strongly associated with smoking, but what many people do not know is that it can also affect people who have never smoked, as reported by Nature magazine this year, where it was found that prolonged exposure to air pollution can cause DNA mutations very similar to those caused by smoking,' she explains.