Rising Lung Abnormalities in Young Delhi Adults: A Public Health Concern

New Delhi, June 23, 2025 – A troubling trend has emerged in Delhi NCR, where a recent internal review by Mahajan Imaging & Labs uncovered that nearly 29% of young adults undergoing routine CT chest scans exhibited early signs of chronic lung abnormalities. This alarming statistic is derived from an analysis of over 4,000 scans conducted in 2024, revealing significant structural changes such as bronchiectasis, emphysema, and fibrosis among individuals in their 20s and 30s.

The findings have raised concerns among healthcare professionals regarding the lung health of urban youth. Dr. Harsh Mahajan, Founder and Chief Radiologist at Mahajan Imaging & Labs, noted, “We are observing a steady and significant rise in the number of CT chest scans showing abnormalities that were traditionally more common in older populations. These include irreversible changes such as bronchiectasis and early emphysema, which could lead to long-term health complications if left undetected.”

Although this analysis does not constitute a formal study, the data sheds light on a worrying trend in urban India, where environmental pollutants, lifestyle choices, and delayed diagnosis of respiratory conditions potentially contribute to this decline in lung health. Factors such as smoking, exposure to indoor air pollutants, and chronic respiratory diseases have been identified as key contributors.

According to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution is a leading cause of respiratory diseases, particularly in densely populated cities like Delhi, where air quality remains a persistent concern. Dr. Mahajan emphasized that the lungs are already under considerable stress in such environments, exacerbated by risk factors including tobacco exposure, whether direct or passive.

Experts are calling for greater public health initiatives aimed at early screening and preventive diagnostics. Dr. Anjali Gupta, a pulmonologist at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), commented, “The importance of early detection cannot be overstated. Younger individuals often do not recognize symptoms until significant damage has occurred, which underscores the necessity for routine screenings.”

In light of these findings, the need for public awareness campaigns focusing on respiratory wellness has never been more pressing. As the 2025 World No Tobacco Day approaches, health officials are urging the public to be mindful of the long-term implications of smoking and air pollution on lung health. Dr. Rajesh Sharma, an environmental health expert at the Indian Institute of Public Health, added, “We must emphasize the cumulative impact of environmental and lifestyle factors on respiratory health, particularly for the younger population.”

The implications of these findings extend beyond individual health, pointing to a broader public health crisis that necessitates immediate action. As urbanization continues to rise, the health of India’s youth increasingly hangs in the balance, demanding comprehensive strategies to address the multifaceted challenges posed by deteriorating environmental conditions and lifestyle choices.

As this situation develops, continued monitoring and research will be crucial to understanding the long-term effects of these lung abnormalities and devising effective public health responses to mitigate the risks faced by the younger population in urban settings.