World Lung Day 2025 highlights role of lungs in good health

News release issued by Irish Lung Fibrosis Association (ILFA)

Thursday September 25, 2025 – World Lung Day

Public urged to ‘know the signs of Lung Fibrosis’

World Lung Day 2025 highlights role of lungs in good health

1,000 cases of Lung Fibrosis diagnosed annually

Members of the public have been urged to ‘know the signs of Lung Fibrosis’, a life-limiting condition that affects thousands of people across Ireland.

The key signs of Lung Fibrosis are breathlessness, dry cough and fatigue. It’s a very serious and progressive condition affecting 5,000 people.

Today to mark World Lung Day the Irish Lung Fibrosis Association (ILFA) together with fellow organisation is hosting a briefing session, with free health checks, for TDs and Senators next to Leinster House.

It is a joint initiative together with the Asthma Society of Ireland, COPD Ireland, Alpha-1 Ireland and the Irish Thoracic Society.

The slogan for World Lung Day is ‘Healthy Lungs, Healthy Life’ to emphasise that lung health is integral to overall well-being – and to call for action across policy, healthcare and the environment. Together, the groups are advocating for:

• Earlier screening and diagnosis for all lung conditions
• Equitable access to treatment and rehabilitation services, no matter where patients live
• Cleaner air and stronger environmental protections
• Better data collection and registries to inform care and policy.

Also known as Pulmonary Fibrosis the condition causes scarring of the lungs, making it progressively harder to breathe. Because symptoms can be subtle and mistaken for other conditions, diagnosis is often delayed.

ILFA CEO Maureen O’Donnell said: “On World Lung Day our partnership is urging the public, healthcare providers, and policymakers to work together to raise greater awareness.

In particular in Ireland we need to improve early diagnosis and improve disease management – as up to 1,000 new cases are diagnosed each year and this is increasing. By communicating the need to know the symptoms of the disease and seek medical advice early, we hope to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those living with Lung Fibrosis.”

Lung Fibrosis patient Charlie Campbell who has been living with the condition since he was diagnosed in 2023 described his experience.

“A dry cough began in Jan 2022 and by April 2022 the cough was incessant. After several months of cough and breathlessness just performing daily duties I sought medical attention, but a diagnosis wasn’t made until over a year later.”

The condition typically affects people over the age of 50, with the average patient being in their late 60s or early 70s at diagnosis. Men are more likely to be affected than women. While the exact cause is often unknown, risk factors include smoking, some occupational exposures and family history. It is a serious, life-limiting condition with no cure, but access to medications and care can slow disease progression.

The key symptoms of Lung Fibrosis include:

• Breathlessness, particularly when walking or climbing stairs
• A dry, unproductive cough that does not go away
• Fatigue and reduced ability to exercise
• ‘Clubbing’ or widening of the fingertips in some cases

The Human Impact

Maureen O’Donnell continued: “Too often, people ignore the symptoms, putting them down to ageing or a lack of fitness. We want everyone to know the symptoms of the disease because with its severity, every minute counts.”

“For patients and their families, Lung Fibrosis brings huge challenges. Breathlessness can make everyday tasks like showering, shopping, or talking on the phone exhausting. The condition can lead to social isolation, loss of independence, and significant emotional strain for both patients and caregivers.”

Patient Ann Markey said: “Living with Lung Fibrosis means planning your life around your lungs. Things most people take for granted, like walking to the shops, planning days or nights out, keeping well and free from infection, become difficult.”

More information about World Lung Day 2025 can be found here: https://firsnet.org/world-lung-day-2025/

Media Contact

Ronan Cavanagh, Cavanagh Communications: (086) 317 9731.

The participating organisations

• Irish Lung Fibrosis Association (ILFA) – www.ilfa.ie
• Asthma Society Ireland – www.asthma.ie
• COPD Ireland – www.copd.ie
• Alpha-1 Ireland – www.alpha1.ie
• Irish Thoracic Society – www.irishthoracicsociety.com