MANILA, Philippines, 25 July 2025 – Our lungs work around the clock to keep us alive, yet lung health remains one of the most neglected aspects of overall wellness. Breathing difficulties are often dismissed as a natural part of aging, but in reality, lung health is affected by far more than just getting older. Daily exposure to air pollution, secondhand smoke, haze, prolonged air-conditioning, poor nutrition, and even lack of sleep can gradually impair lung function, often without obvious symptoms. This silent damage is taking a toll. In 2024, pneumonia ranked as the fourth leading cause of death in the Philippines, claiming 19,842 lives, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority. The year prior saw a 27% surge in cases, with a concerning 11% increase among children under five—evidence that no age group is spared. Behind these numbers are often subtle symptoms or signals from the body that are easily missed or ignored until it's too late, such as persistent cough, shortness...
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