4 simple tips to check your lungs yourself

Exercise tests such as stair climbing and jogging can help assess respiratory function and detect lung abnormalities.

The lungs are a vital organ in the respiratory system but are easily damaged. Dr. Tran Duy Hung, a specialist in Respiratory Medicine at Tam Anh General Hospital in Hanoi , advises on some simple lung function tests that people can proactively perform at home.

Walking up and down stairs

Instructions : Take the stairs slowly and gently from the first floor to the third floor. Remember to maintain a steady, leisurely pace, like a normal stroll.

Being able to climb stairs easily without stopping to rest indicates healthy lungs. Conversely, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, or excessive fatigue requiring frequent rest when climbing stairs may indicate lung problems. In such cases, you should see a respiratory specialist as soon as possible.

Stair climbing exercises help check lung health. Photo: Freepik — Stair climbing exercises help check lung health. Photo: *Freepik*

Running in place

Running in place is an easy-to-perform method for checking lung health through strenuous activity.

Instructions : Stand upright and run in place at a moderate, steady pace; it doesn't need to be too fast or too slow. Try to control your breathing while running.

If you can maintain a stationary running activity for over 5 minutes without stopping, your lung function is good. If you can run for less than 5 minutes, your lungs may be weak.

Breath-holding method

This test helps assess the lungs' and respiratory tract's ability to store air and oxygen.

Instructions : Take a deep breath and inhale deeply, trying to inhale as much as possible, filling your lungs and abdomen as much as possible. After inhaling, control and hold your breath, preventing air from escaping through your nose or mouth to avoid affecting the results.

If you can hold your breath for 30 seconds or more, it means your lung function is quite good. If you can hold your breath for less than 20 seconds, your lung function may be impaired.

Candle blowing method

To perform this test, you will need a candle or oil lamp.

Instructions : Place a lit candle or oil lamp at mouth level, about 20 cm away. Take a deep breath and blow out the candle.

This test assesses lung function through the maximum expiratory volume in the first second. If you can extinguish a flame with a single strong blow, your lung and respiratory health is generally good. If you have to blow on the candle flame multiple times to put it out, your lung and respiratory health is not yet good.

Exercise and physical activity improve breathing, increase lung capacity, and allow for deeper breaths. Exercise also stimulates the body's immune system, reducing the risk of respiratory illnesses.

Dr. Hung noted that after performing the above exercises, people with reduced lung function should go to the respiratory department for a specific examination and treatment as prescribed if necessary.

Besides exercise, nutrition and building a healthy lifestyle impact overall health, including the respiratory system. Maintaining a healthy diet rich in fiber and vitamins, and drinking enough water daily, contributes to healthy lungs. Getting flu, pneumococcal, and pertussis vaccines can boost immunity and prevent respiratory illnesses caused by viruses.

Dr. Hung advises smokers to quit smoking to improve lung function and prevent many dangerous lung diseases. Cigarettes are the leading cause of chronic respiratory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary fibrosis, and lung cancer.

Khue Lam

Readers can ask questions about respiratory illnesses here for doctors to answer.

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