Smoking Could Eventually Lead To Irreversible Lung Disease: Dr Sachin Kumar

* World No-tobacco Day 2026

* Views of Dr Sachin Kumar, Director - Pulmonology & Critical Care Medicine, Sakra World Hospital, Bengaluru

Recently, we treated a middle-aged man who presented with a persistent cough, weight loss, and breathlessness. He had been smoking for more than 20 years, though he smoked fewer than five cigarettes a day, and initially ignored the symptoms, assuming it was merely a “smoker’s cough.” Further evaluation later revealed advanced lung cancer along with severe COPD-related changes. What was particularly striking was that he had started smoking casually during his college days and never imagined that occasional smoking could eventually lead to irreversible lung disease.

Unfortunately, cases like these are becoming increasingly common. A few years ago, we would encounter such cases once every six months, but now we are seeing one or two cases every two to three months. Many patients continue to present at advanced stages because the early symptoms are often ignored or underestimated.

We are also witnessing the harmful effects of passive smoking on family members, particularly children and elderly individuals who are regularly exposed to second-hand smoke.

People should not ignore warning signs such as a persistent cough lasting more than two to three weeks, breathlessness, wheezing, blood in sputum, chest pain, unexplained weight loss, recurrent chest infections, and reduced exercise tolerance. Early diagnosis can significantly improve treatment outcomes and quality of life.

The most effective way to prevent tobacco-related diseases is complete cessation of tobacco in all forms, including cigarettes, beedis, gutka, pan masala, vaping, and e-cigarettes. Some helpful measures include tobacco cessation counselling, nicotine replacement therapy when appropriate, behavioural therapy, strong family support, avoiding exposure to passive smoking, awareness programmes in schools and workplaces, and annual health check-ups for chronic smokers.

There is no “safe” form of tobacco. Even occasional smoking causes gradual damage to the lungs and blood vessels over time. Quitting smoking at any stage can slow lung function decline, reduce the risk of cancer, and improve overall quality of life. World No Tobacco Day is not just about awareness, it is about taking early action before irreversible damage occurs.

“Every cigarette causes measurable lung injury. The best time to quit smoking was yesterday; the next best time is today.”