24/09/2022
Simple and effective home lung function tests
1. Check lung function at home with several devices
Peak flow meters and spirometers are devices that can test lung function at home. These devices will monitor and evaluate the respiratory problems you experience every day. The metered flow meter measures the maximum expiratory flow (PEF). Meanwhile, the spirometer will measure the forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1).
Compared to spirometers, peak flow meters are somewhat more common devices. This device has a relatively low cost and is very simple to use. To measure PEF, you can follow these steps:
Step 1: Set the pointer on the peak flow meter gauge to zero or the lowest on the meter.
Step 2: Attach the mouthpiece to the peak flow meter.
Step 3: Stand up straight and take a deep breath.
Step 4: Place peak flow meter mouthpiece and mouthpiece and close tightly. When sucking, you need to make sure that your lips are around the mouthpiece and do not put your tongue in the mouthpiece.
Step 5: Breathe as hard and fast as you can.
Step 6: Make a note of the value on the peak flow meter.
To avoid errors, the measurement of PEF should be performed 2 to 3 times. Especially when the measurement results between measurements have a large difference. However, before measuring, you need to adjust the pointer on the meter to zero or the lowest. After 3 measurements, write down the highest value on your tracking sheet.
The accuracy of peak flow measurement results often depends on many factors. Incorrect manipulation or inadequate breathing are common causes of erroneous results. In addition to these factors, peak flow measurement results are also affected by:
- Use a bronchodilator about 4 hours before the measurement. This can lead to improved peak traffic results.
- Use sedation before taking the measurement. Unlike bronchodilators, sedation will make the test results worse.
- Abnormalities in breathing due to pain being felt by the tester will cause false measurement results.
2. Check lung function at home with simple methods
If you don't have a peak flow meter, you can still test your lung function at home using very simple methods. Such as:
- Check lung function at home by blowing match
Blowing a match is one of the simplest ways to test lung function. You just need to put the lighted match about 15cm away from the mouth and blow hard. If the match can be extinguished immediately, then your lung function is completely normal. On the contrary, if the match does not go out, then you are most likely experiencing lung-related problems.
- Test by climbing stairs
Stair climbing is also an effective way to check lung function. To check, you just need to walk at a moderate pace from the 1st floor to the 3rd floor. After climbing, people with lung problems often have signs of shortness of breath, shortness of breath, chest tightness… Meanwhile, people Healthy people almost completely do not have this expression.
- Method of holding your breath
The length of time you hold your breath after taking a deep breath can indicate the state of lung function. 30 seconds is the time that shows you have good lung and heart function. If you can hold your breath for more than 20 seconds, you have stable lung function. Conversely, your lung function will be weaker the shorter the time you hold your breath.
- Check lung function by running in place
Running in place is also something you should try if you want to test your lung function at home. The recommended running speed is 100-120 beats/min for a sufficient amount of time. After you stop running, you can sit back and observe your performance. Lung function will be problematic if you have signs such as shortness of breath and a fast heartbeat. Besides, recovery time is also a factor to evaluate lung function. A healthy person with good lung function usually takes only 5-6 minutes to recover.
The treatment of lung diseases will be more effective if detected early.
In the context of the Covid-19 epidemic spreading in Vietnam and other countries around the world, it is very necessary for people to raise their own awareness of health protection. In addition to paying attention to close contact with infected and infected people, attention to measures for self-checking at home is also recommended by many experts. If in doubt, make a medical declaration and contact local health authorities.