Lung Disease

Can jaggery really protect the lungs from pollution, or is it just a myth?

As air quality dips and jaggery resurfaces as a "lung cleanser", experts say the belief rests on nostalgia and old animal studies, not human science, and explain what actually helps

When AQI crosses 400: How toxic air damages your lungs, heart, and brain

An AQI above 400 turns the air into a slow poison. Doctors explain how invisible pollutants invade your bloodstream, trigger inflammation, and put your heart, lungs, and brain at risk

What breathing air at AQI 50 feels like for your lungs and body, explained

AQI 50, a figure Delhiites can only dream of, still isn't pure air. Doctor explains how even at this level, your body works to counter invisible pollutants

Is your balcony a lung risk? Pigeon exposure can cause irreversible damage

Across balconies, rooftops, and public spaces, pigeons shed droppings and feathers that become airborne dust. Doctors say urban exposure is increasingly linked to serious, irreversible lung damage

Delhi air pollution: Can your body get used to it? Doctors debunk myth

Feeling 'used to' Delhi's smog doesn't mean you're safe. Experts warn your lungs never adapt to pollution; they just get desensitised as long-term damage quietly builds up

Diwali 2025: How asthma and COPD patients can protect their lungs from smog

As pollution peaks this Diwali, pulmonologists share essential tips for people with asthma, COPD, and chronic bronchitis to stay safe, breathe easier, and enjoy the festivities without fear

Diwali 2025: How to protect your lungs and breathe easy amid toxic air

Health experts share simple, science-backed ways to avoid cough, wheezing, and breathlessness as pollution levels soar across Indian cities during Diwali

Pollution, smoking, and that cough: It may be time for a lung function test

If your cough just won't go away, it might be more than the season or smog; doctors explain when it's time to get a lung function test

Vaping risks: Are e-cigarettes silently fuelling future lung cancer cases?

Experts warn that e-cigarettes may cause hidden lung damage and potentially raise the risk of cancer, especially when used alongside traditional cigarettes

One in three young adults in Delhi shows signs of early lung damage

Mahajan Labs data from over 4,000 CT scans in 2024 reveals high incidence of early-stage lung abnormalities in Delhi youth, likely tied to pollution and lifestyle

Lupin inks pact with China's Sino Universal for Tiotropium inhaler supply

Pharma major Lupin Ltd on Monday said it has signed a license and supply agreement with China's Sino Universal Pharmaceuticals for the commercialisation of Tiotropium dry powder inhaler in the Chinese market. The agreement pertains to the commercialisation of the Tiotropium dry powder inhaler of strength 18 mcg/capsule, which is used in the treatment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Lupin said in a regulatory filing. Under the agreement, Sino Universal Pharmaceuticals (SUP) will obtain regulatory approvals for selling Tiotropium DPI in China, while Lupin will be the marketing authorisation holder and responsible for manufacturing of the product, it added. "This partnership demonstrates our commitment to developing critical products for the treatment of respiratory diseases such as COPD and establishing our leadership in the global respiratory health sector," Lupin President Corporate Development, Fabrice Egros said. With SUP, the company aim to enhance patient acces

Cooking fumes and cosmetics may be raising women's risk of lung disease

Women over 40 face a higher risk of chronic lung disease, possibly due to indoor pollution, hormonal shifts, and misdiagnosis - not just smoking

Pope's willingness to show his frailty provides example to young, old alike

Pope Francis' frailty was on full view as he left Rome's Gemelli hospital last Sunday after five weeks battling pneumonia that nearly killed him. He could barely lift his arms to bless the crowd. His eyes were sunken, face bloated. And he visibly gasped for breath as he was wheeled back inside from the balcony. Throughout history, the powerful have concealed their weaknesses. Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany, the most photographed figure of his era, took pains to hide his lame arm. Franklin Delano Roosevelt concealed the use of a wheelchair. More recently, former President Biden shook off concerns about his cognitive abilities. By contrast, Francis, a spiritual and not political leader, has never been shy about showing his weakness. For many, his willingness to be seen in all his infirmity serves as an example to young and old alike that fragility is part of the human condition and should be embraced. Who cares if he had sunken eyes, who cares if he looks bloated. It is part of his li

Pope marks 12th anniversary of papacy in hospital, condition improving

Pope Francis marked the 12th anniversary of his papacy Thursday with increasingly positive medical updates four weeks into his hospitalisation for double pneumonia. The pope spent another tranquil night, the Vatican said in its brief morning statement. A chest X-ray confirmed improvements, the Vatican said on Wednesday, just two days after days after doctors declared he's no longer in imminent danger of death. The latest medical bulletin said that the 88-year-old pope's condition remained stable, but indicated a complex picture considering his overall fragility. The Holy See hasn't said how the anniversary of his election as the 266th pope might be commemorated. It is a public holiday at the Vatican and Masses are planned in his honor at churches in Rome. No medical bulletins will be issued. Francis on Wednesday remotely followed a Lenten spiritual retreat that has been a mainstay of his papacy. He continues to receive high flows of oxygen through nasal tubes during the day and a .

Pope Francis no longer in danger due to pneumonia, remains hospitalised

Doctors said Monday that Pope Francis is no longer in imminent danger of death as a result of pneumonia but have decided to keep him hospitalised for several more days to receive treatment. In a late update, the doctors said the 88-year-old pope remains stable and has consolidated improvements in recent days, as determined by blood tests and positive responses to drug treatments. However, in view of the complexity of the clinical picture and the important infectious picture presented on admission, it will be necessary to continue medical drug therapy in a hospital setting for additional days, according to the Vatican statement. Francis followed the Vatican's week-long spiritual retreat via video-conference on Monday as he continued his recovery from double pneumonia and looked ahead to the 12th anniversary of his election amid questions about what the future of his papacy might look like. As he did on Sunday, Francis participated in the retreat remotely from the Rome hospital where

Pope stable, resting in hospital; skips Sunday noon blessing again

Pope Francis remained in stable condition Saturday a day after a respiratory crisis, and spent long periods of the day off the noninvasive ventilation he initially needed in a sign that his lung function was improving as he battles double pneumonia. Francis had no further episodes of bronchial spasms, the Vatican said in its late update. He had no fever and no signs of new infection, was feeding himself and continued his respiratory physiotherapy, the Vatican said. The 88-year-old pope had a good response in his blood gas levels even during the long periods he was off the ventilator mask and only using high-flow supplemental oxygen. But his prognosis remained guarded, meaning he wasn't out of danger. The Holy Father is always vigilant and aware of what's going on around him, the statement said, adding that he received the Eucharist and spent time in prayer. The comparatively positive update came after Francis suffered a setback Friday in his two-week battle against pneumonia. Fran

Pope Francis wakes up on 10th day of hospitalisation, remains critical

This marks the tenth day of his hospitalisation for a severe lung infection that has led to early-stage kidney insufficiency

News Highlights: Former CM Atishi chosen as Leader of Opposition in Delhi Assembly

Catch all the latest news updates from around the world here

Pope Francis rested during night following respiratory crisis: Vatican

Pope Francis was in critical condition Saturday after he suffered a long asthmatic respiratory crisis that required high flows of oxygen, the Vatican said. The 88-year-old Francis, who has been hospitalised for a week with pneumonia and a complex lung infection, also received blood transfusions after tests showed low platelet counts associated with anemia, the Vatican said in a late update. The Holy Father continues to be alert and spent the day in an armchair although in more pain than yesterday. At the moment the prognosis is reserved, the statement said. Doctors have said Francis' condition is touch-and-go and that he is by no means out of danger. They have warned that the main threat facing Francis would be the onset of sepsis, a serious infection of the blood that can occur as a complication of pneumonia. As of Friday, there was no evidence of any sepsis, and Francis was responding to the various drugs he is taking, the pope's medical team said in their first in-depth update

Tabla maestro Zakir Hussain passes away at 73, fused music to make magic

His fingers flew, fluttered and floated in quicksilver changes of raga and rhythm, drumming up music and magic. Zakir Hussain was the maestro of tabla, percussionist, composer and even actor a legend who was India's very own and yet belonged to the world. Hussain died from 'idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis', a lung disease, in a San Francisco hospital early Monday. He was 73. The artiste, a marquee name in India and abroad, leaves behind more than 60 years of music. He played on the stage alongside some of the greatest Indian and international musicians in a fusion of Indian classical and world music, giving the tabla a whole new identity. The great percussionist created music across genres and styles, including in his repertoire jazz and concertos, naturally developing an all-inclusive musical creativity after learning and playing under the tutelage of his father and renowned tabla player, Alla Rakha. The mindset as I was growing up tuned itself to the idea that music is music, it's