“Worried about Lungs health due to air pollution? Chest surgeon Dr. Harsh Vardhan Puri shares a simple at-home breath-holding test and medical lung tests to detect early damage.”

Amid rising air pollution, Lungs health has become a pressing concern, especially for people living in high-AQI cities. Many assume their lungs are fine as long as they don’t feel breathless or unwell. However, chest surgeons warn that lung damage often develops silently over time, even without obvious symptoms.

Dr. Harsh Vardhan Puri, Chest Surgeon at Medanta Hospital, recommends a simple at-home test that can provide a rough idea of your Lungs capacity. While this method is not a medical diagnosis, it can help raise awareness about your respiratory health.

Simple Breath-Holding Test for Lungs Health

According to Dr. Puri, if you can comfortably hold your breath for around 40 seconds, it may indicate that your lungs are functioning within a normal range. To try this test:

1. Sit in a comfortable position.

2. Breathe in normally (avoid deep inhalation).

3. Hold your breath without straining.

If you struggle to hold your breath beyond 40 seconds, it could suggest low Lungs reserves. However, it’s important to remember that passing this test does not guarantee that your lungs are free from damage. Pollution-related effects can exist even in people who perform well in this exercise.

Limitations of the Breath-Holding Test

While easy to perform, this test has its limits. It does not detect early Lung damage, inflammation, or long-term effects of pollution. Factors such as anxiety, heart conditions, smoking history, asthma, or lack of sleep can also affect your breath-holding time. Moreover, this test is not recommended for children.

In short, this at-home check only provides a rough idea of Lung capacity and should not replace proper medical evaluation.

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Medical Lungs Tests Recommended by Doctors

For a more accurate assessment of lung health, especially in polluted areas, doctors recommend the following tests:

• Spirometry / Pulmonary Function Test (PFT): This is the gold standard for measuring lung capacity and airflow efficiency. It’s recommended for adults with persistent cough or breathlessness and can serve as a baseline test for children living in polluted environments.

• Chest X-ray: Often performed if symptoms like cough or shortness of breath persist for more than two weeks. While it can detect infections and advanced damage, early pollution-related changes may not always be visible, which is why it’s frequently combined with spirometry.

Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Consult a doctor if you experience:

• Cough lasting more than two weeks

• Wheezing or whistling sounds while breathing

• Breathlessness during activities that were previously easy

• Frequent chest infections

• Children tiring unusually quickly during play