Respiratory Health

Respiratory diseases are among the leading causes of illness and death worldwide, yet they often get less attention than heart disease or cancer. A recent WHO/European Respiratory Society report estimates that over 80 million people in the WHO European Region live with chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs) such as asthma and COPD, with millions more undiagnosed.

These conditions limit how well your lungs move oxygen into your blood, causing breathlessness, fatigue, and frequent infections. COPD alone accounts for about 80% of deaths from chronic respiratory diseases in Europe, and cases are projected to rise by more than 20% globally by 2050. Protecting your lungs now helps preserve your ability to work, exercise, and stay independent as you age.

Outdoor and indoor air pollution are now recognized as major drivers of chronic lung disease. Over 90% of people in the WHO European Region breathe air with particulate matter levels above WHO safety guidelines. In the United States, the American Lung Association’s 2025 report found that 156 million people—nearly half the population—live in areas with unhealthy levels of ozone or particle pollution, worsened by heat and wildfires.

Tobacco remains the single most avoidable cause of respiratory illness in Europe, where about one in four adults still smoke. Youth use of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco is adding new long‑term risk for lung damage. Quitting smoking at any age improves lung function over time and cuts the risk of COPD, lung cancer, and severe infections.

Since the COVID‑19 pandemic, respiratory virus seasons have become more complex. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) expects that combined hospitalizations from COVID‑19, flu, and RSV in the 2025–26 season will be similar to last year, but with a possibility of higher COVID‑19 peaks depending on new variants.

RSV, once mainly a concern for infants, is now recognized as a serious threat to older adults as well. New RSV vaccines and monoclonal antibodies are reducing hospitalizations in infants and older adults, but real‑world data show that uptake is still growing and not yet universal. Together with flu and updated COVID‑19 vaccines, these tools can significantly lower the risk of severe respiratory illness each winter.

A few consistent habits make a big difference. Staying up to date on recommended vaccines—flu, COVID‑19, pneumococcal, and RSV where eligible—reduces your chance of severe pneumonia, hospitalization, and death. A 2025 national US survey found that while 45% of adults received at least one respiratory vaccine since September 2025, uptake for pneumococcal (8%) and RSV (6%) vaccines was much lower than for flu and COVID‑19.

At home, improve air quality by not smoking indoors, using exhaust fans when cooking, and using air purifiers or high‑efficiency filters during pollution or wildfire events. When outdoor air is poor, limit intense exercise near traffic, close windows, and consider a well‑fitting mask if you must be outside. Regular physical activity, weight management, and good control of allergies also support stronger lungs.

Because chronic respiratory diseases are widely underdiagnosed, ignoring symptoms can be risky. Talk to a healthcare professional if you have a cough lasting more than a few weeks, wheezing, frequent chest infections, or breathlessness that seems out of proportion to your activity level. Simple tests like spirometry can detect asthma and COPD early, when treatment can prevent much of the long‑term damage.

If you already live with a lung condition, ask about an action plan—written steps to adjust inhalers, medications, and when to seek urgent care during flare‑ups. Pulmonary rehabilitation, which combines exercise, education, and breathing techniques, has strong evidence for improving quality of life in people with COPD and other chronic lung diseases. Early attention keeps your lungs working for the moments in life that matter most.