Similar to the rest of our body, our lungs age. It is absolutely important to be aware of the subtle symptoms that our lungs may not be functioning as well as they once were. In the World Air Quality Report 2022, India’s average annual PM2.5 concentration of 53.3 micrograms per cubic metre. We were ranked seventh in the world—ten times higher than WHO standards.Now, this is where things become tricky because our lungs are greatly impacted by the air we breathe. By understanding these symptoms early on, we can better maintain the health of our respiratory system and take the appropriate action to enhance its performance. These are the six main indicators that our lungs may be ageing faster than we are.
“Most muscles and organs, including our lungs, decline progressively as we age. The bones become thinner, the muscle tissue around them lose elasticity, and the air sacs are unable to retain their shape. As a result, older men and women get tired easily, experience shortness of breath, and persistent coughs due to the decreased airflow and lowered levels of oxygen. Apart from them, ageing also weakens the response of body’s immune system. This makes them more vulnerable when exposed to pathogens and environmental toxins, leading to an increased risk for cancer and longer bouts of respiratory illnesses,” explained Dr Prasanth Penumadu, Head of the Department, Surgical Oncology, Sri Venkateswara Institute of Cancer Care and Advanced Research (SVICCAR), Tirupati.

Whistling sounds while breathing

The wheezing sound we make when we breathe in is a high-pitched whistling sound that is one of the early signs of damaged lungs. Narrowed airways cause this sound because they make it more difficult for air to enter and exit the lungs. It is worthwhile to have a medical examination to examine your lung function if you observe this occurring regularly.

Frequent cough with mucus

Mucus-producing coughs are frequently related to allergies or infections. If they persist over time, they might indicate a more serious problem than we think. The lungs create more mucus to shield the airways. But if you find yourself coughing up phlegm all the time, it can also mean that your lungs aren’t doing a good job of clearing out irritants, which could be an indication of a sick pair of lungs.

Shortness of breath

when being out of breath after vigorous exercise is common, feeling out of breath when performing daily duties could be a warning sign. Your lungs may begin to lose their elasticity over time and become more difficult to expand and contract, which will make it more difficult for your body to absorb adequate oxygen. See a doctor to evaluate the health of your lungs if this sensation starts to occur more frequently.

Feeling of not getting enough air at times

If you ever find yourself gasping for air or feeling like you can’t take a deep breath, your lungs might be struggling. This feeling is typically brought on by a reduce lung capacity. Breathing deeply becomes more difficult as the muscles surrounding the lungs deteriorate. This may result in the uneasy sensation of breathing in insufficient air.

Difficulty climbing stairs without tiring

Have you noticed that simple activities like climbing a flight of stairs leave you more exhausted than they used to? This could suggest that the lungs are ageing more quickly than you are. When lung function is reduced, the body needs more energy to carry out physical activities. This can be the cause of us feeling weak and worn out, especially while doing things that you used to find simple.

Representative Image

Tightness in the chest

Chest pain or tightness could also be an indication of unhealthy lungs. You could have a minor pressure or strain in your chest, especially during exertion, as your lungs lose their strength and flexibility. This can occur as a result of increased strain or pressure on your chest muscles caused by your lungs’ inability to breathe air as easily as they once did.

“The tissues in our body accumulate mutations over the years, and this is also observed in lung tissue. As humans age, the immune system becomes less effective in fighting continuous exposure to lung carcinogens and in addressing the mutations that occur in the body. Lung cancer is caused by prolonged exposure to carcinogens, and it can take years to develop. These factors contribute to the higher incidence of lung cancer in older populations compared to younger individuals. Trouble breathing, blood in sputum, loss of weight, lump in neck can be some warning signs of lung cancer,” said Dr Deepak Kumar, Consultant Radiation Oncologist, Ranchi Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (RCHRC).