Chronic lung issues rising in young adults, reveals Delhi scan data

By Admin

24 Jun, 2025

An alarming urban health trend emerges

Recent insights from Mahajan Imaging & Labs have revealed a concerning health trend in Delhi and surrounding regions a significant rise in chronic lung abnormalities among young adults, as identified during routine CT chest scans. Based on over 4,000 scans conducted in 2024, nearly 29% of individuals some as young as in their 20s and 30s exhibited structural lung damage typically seen in much older populations.

Irreversible damage showing early

According to Dr. Harsh Mahajan, Founder & Chief Radiologist at Mahajan Imaging & Labs, "We are noticing a steady and significant number of CT chest scans, almost one in three, showing abnormalities that were traditionally seen more frequently in older populations. These include irreversible changes such as bronchiectasis, early emphysema, fibrosis, and bronchial wall thickening, which could lead to long-term health complications if left undetected or unmanaged.”

Beyond infections: The multifactorial cause

While common infections and tumor-related abnormalities are filtered out from the observations, the remaining data reveals a troubling prevalence of chronic damage. The causes appear multifactorial including air pollution, tobacco exposure (both active and passive), vaping, and indoor pollutants, as well as undiagnosed or poorly managed respiratory infections.

This is not a formal study, the team clarifies, but rather a compelling observational insight drawn from consistent patterns in diagnostic reports.

A global comparison: Brazil’s youth also affected

This pattern isn’t isolated to India. Brazilian youth, too, face increasing rates of lung damage due to chronic respiratory conditions, infections, and environmental exposure highlighting a global public health concern. The Indian context, especially in urban hubs like Delhi, seems to echo this trend.

Air quality crisis compounds the risk

“In cities like Delhi, where air quality remains a persistent concern, the lungs are already under considerable stress,” Dr. Mahajan stated. He further added that tobacco exposure, even in passive forms, could significantly worsen lung function under such conditions.

Preventive care is the way forward

This growing evidence calls for early screening, preventive diagnostics, and stronger public health interventions focused on respiratory wellness. Many young adults may not even recognize the onset of these changes until considerable damage has occurred. The key takeaway? Start screening early. Stay aware. Breathe better.

With anti-tobacco awareness campaigns gaining momentum globally, this insight reinforces the importance of early lifestyle changes, environmental reforms, and increased access to diagnostic tools for safeguarding youth lung health.