We can’t think how we managed without it but expect to see the new lung emoji used liberally in texts and tweets from now on.

It’s finally here – 🫁- behold the #lungemoji

— John Hurst (@ProfHurst) November 21, 2020

A proposal for a lung emoji has been approved by the lords of the internet and the coding is now being included in Android and IOS systems.

The developers of the new lung emoji say it will rightfully join other iconic anatomical organ emojis – the brain and the heart – in online health discussions.

“Essential to the respiratory process, the lung is significant to discussions of health, air quality, and one of the most universal and basic biological functions: breathing. The current absence of the lung is a notable gap in the body part category, and if it were added, frequent and widespread usage would be expected,” their proposal said.

“The addition of the lung emoji would facilitate communication between patients and healthcare professionals by representing one of the body’s more complex systems with a single character.”

“This would encourage increased awareness of risk factors, symptoms, and the impact on the lives of those affected by respiratory health issues through more accessible discussions and expressions of medical topics related to the lungs.”

I can’t believe I missed it! Finally everyone, the #lungemoji is available!
🫁 🫁🫁🫁 🫁 🫁 🫁🫁
🫁 🫁 🫁 🫁 🫁 🫁
🫁 🫁 🫁 🫁 🫁 🫁🫁
🫁 🫁 🫁 🫁🫁 🫁
🫁🫁 🫁🫁🫁 🫁 🫁🫁
it! #RespIsBest https://t.co/cxgl9qRmDU

— AldrinAU #Please-Wear-a-Facemask😷 💙 (@AldrinAU) November 12, 2020

🫁 Well we are excited for this new lung emoji finally! 🫁

— CF inpatient unit – MFT (@PearceWardMFT) November 22, 2020

The proposal for the emoji was co-authored by Dr Shuhan He, an emergency medicine physician at Massachusetts General Hospital and Associate Director for the Center for Innovation and Digital Health.

The other non-clinical co-authors were Christian Kamkoff and Melissa Thermidor.