Doctors answer top lung health questions on pollution and symptoms

Leading pulmonologists have answered common questions about lung health, covering the effects of air pollution, silent pneumonia, post-COVID recovery and when to seek tests. The experts say prolonged exposure to air pollution can damage lungs even without symptoms, as fine PM2.5 particles cause inflammation and oxidative stress. Pneumonia can also occur without obvious signs, especially in older adults or those with weakened immunity, where unusual fatigue or confusion may be the only clues.

Normal oxygen levels and no breathlessness do not guarantee healthy lungs, as early damage may be symptom-free. For most people who fully recovered from COVID-19 years ago, routine lung tests are unnecessary unless they have persistent symptoms. Routine lung function tests are not advised for healthy people, they are recommended for those with chronic cough, wheezing, breathlessness, smokers, or those over 60 before major surgery. TB screening is risk-based, focusing on close contacts and those with exposure or relevant symptoms.