Choking before 30? 1 in 3 Delhi youth show lung abnormalities: Report

A review by Mahajan Imaging & Labs has flagged a worrying trend: a rising number of young adults in Delhi and neighbouring regions are showing signs of chronic lung abnormalities during routine CT chest scans.

Of more than 4,000 scans analysed in 2024, nearly 29% showed irreversible structural changes in the lungs such as bronchiectasis, emphysema, fibrosis, and bronchial wall thickening — conditions traditionally seen in older or high-risk individuals.

The concerning pattern is being observed in patients as young as their 20s and 30s, underscoring what experts believe is a developing respiratory health crisis in India's polluted urban centres.

“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,” said Dr. Harsh Mahajan, Founder & Chief Radiologist at Mahajan Imaging & Labs. “These include irreversible changes such as bronchiectasis and early emphysema, which could lead to long-term health complications if undetected or unmanaged.”

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The review is not a formal clinical study, but an observational insight based on routine diagnostic scans. According to the imaging team, the percentage of structural lung damage becomes even more pronounced when excluding common infections and tumour-related abnormalities from the dataset.

A multifactorial threat

While causes vary including infections, smoking, vaping, indoor pollutants, and outdoor air pollution — the findings align with broader public health warnings about declining lung health in India's metros. Experts say Delhi’s toxic air, frequent respiratory infections, and delayed diagnosis compound risks, especially among younger, asymptomatic populations.

“In cities like Delhi, where air quality remains a persistent concern, the lungs are already under considerable stress,” Dr. Mahajan said. “In such a scenario, risk factors like tobacco exposure whether direct or passive—can make matters worse.”

The need for early screening

Coinciding with global anti-tobacco awareness campaigns, this observational data calls attention to the need for early screening and preventive diagnostics, even among younger individuals who may not report respiratory symptoms. Citing similar global trends, Mahajan Imaging pointed to Brazil, where youth lung health is also declining due to rising rates of chronic respiratory illness and environmental exposure.

Health experts warn that lung damage often remains asymptomatic until it reaches advanced stages, making routine screening critical in high-risk zones like Delhi.

*The findings further underline the urgent need for public health campaigns focused on:

*Respiratory awareness

*Access to lung screening

*Tackling both outdoor and indoor air pollution

*Educating youth on smoking and vaping risks