Why non-smokers are equally at risk for respiratory diseases

While the cause of lung diseases like lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease has long been linked with smoking an alarming increase in cases has been observed even amongst nonsmokers majorly due to passive smoking and air pollution said experts on WednesdayWorld Lung Day is observed every year on September 25 to raise awareness about lung health and promote better lung care around the world Smoking is a major cause of lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease COPD and lung cancer Quitting smoking can significantly improve lung health and reduce the risk of developing these diseasesHowever a significant increase in respiratory cases has been observed even amongst nonsmokers said expertsldquoThese are mostly traced to an increased exposure to secondhand smoke and increased air pollution which are significant risk factors for lung disease Microscopic pollutants have been found to penetrate the lungs and cause cell damage and inflammation within them which over time can induce cancerous mutationsrdquo Dr Sunil Kumar K Lead Consultant Interventional Pulmonology Aster CMI Hospital Bengaluru told IANSldquoSuch chronic exposure to polluted air not only harms lung tissue but slowly weakens the immune defense of the body Even for those who have never smoked passive smoking poses a serious threat Breathing in smoke from the environment from someone smoking nearby or lingering smoke indoors can be just as harmfulrdquo the expert addedThe residual toxins even from thirdhand smoke that settle on surfaces also put individuals especially children and pets at risk of health problemsThe World Health Organization notes that 99 per cent of the worlds population breathes unhealthy air Climate change is a major driver of air pollution which can impact lung health Children older adults and people with existing respiratory conditions are especially vulnerableOther risk factors for lung problems in nonsmokers include childhood respiratory infections that may prevail in adulthood also Dr Kuldeep Kumar Grover head of Critical Care and Pulmonology CK Birla Hospital Gurugram saidldquoRepeated childhood infections may lead to bronchiectasis in lungs and cystic problems can also destroy lungsrdquo the expert saidLung problems such as Respiratory infections COPD asthma and TB infections are the most common among nonsmokers majorly due to low immunity levels Grover saidAccording to Kumar people in occupations like mining or construction are even more susceptible as they are continuously exposed to carcinogens dust and smoke which disrupts their healthLifestyle conditions like obesity or engaging in minimal physical activity also predispose people to diseases by decreasing lung functionldquoWhile smoking remains a wellknown risk factor much more is required to protect our lungs than avoiding cigarettes We need cleaner air smokefree spaces and a better understanding of the various hidden dangers were exposed to every dayrdquo Kumar saidThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever