Over 14% of Indians Aged 45+ May Suffer from Lung Disease

A recent study indicates that over 14 percent of individuals aged 45 and older in India may be affected by obstructive lung disease. The research, conducted by an international team that includes experts from the International Institute for Population Sciences in Mumbai, analyzed data from the Longitudinal Aging Study in India (LASI). This extensive study, which encompasses over 31,000 adults, employed spirometry tests to assess lung function, marking it as the largest and longest-running database of its kind focusing on older populations.

The findings, published in the journal PLOS One, suggest that men are disproportionately affected compared to women, with the prevalence of obstructive lung disease increasing with age. The condition, which includes Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) among its types, is characterized by lung damage that causes inflammation and obstructs normal airflow.

The research team, which also includes scholars from the University of Southern California and the Harvard School of Public Health, reported a concerning lack of awareness among participants. Only 12 percent of men and 11 percent of women diagnosed with obstructive lung disease indicated they had previously been informed of their condition.

“The overall prevalence of obstructive lung disease was 14.4 percent. Prevalence was higher among men than women and increased with age,” the authors stated. They emphasized the urgent need for national awareness campaigns to address this important public health issue.

Despite the significant burden of obstructive lung disease, the researchers noted that there are few estimates of its prevalence based on high-quality data. They called for data-driven approaches to better address the rising burden of the disease.

The study also examined various risk factors associated with obstructive lung disease. It found that the prevalence of smoking varied significantly across regions, with rates reaching about 30 percent in northern India and nearly 14 percent in western regions. Additionally, the use of unclean fuel for cooking—another significant risk factor—was reported to be lowest in southern India at approximately 30 percent, while it reached over 65 percent in northeastern areas.

The LASI study serves as a nationally representative survey of 73,000 adults in India, including 32,000 elderly individuals aged 60 and above. It is harmonized with the Health and Retirement Study from the United States and similar research initiatives across 45 countries, facilitating meaningful cross-country comparisons.

As the second wave of data collection for the LASI study is underway, the need for comprehensive strategies to improve lung health awareness and management in India has never been more critical.