Debunking Lung Health Myths on Social Media

Have you seen those videos on social media claiming you can check your lung health by holding your breath? You might want to think twice before trying it out. Medical experts say these tests aren’t as reliable as they seem.

The idea behind these videos is simple: if you can hold your breath for a long time and still breathe comfortably afterward, your lungs must be healthy. But according to Dr. Shivakumar K, a respiratory medicine expert, this method isn’t a good indicator of lung health. It mainly tests your ability to hold your breath, not the actual health of your lungs.

Dr. Ravi Shekhar Jha, a pulmonologist, agrees. He explains that while the breath-holding test can give some insights into lung function, it’s not enough to diagnose respiratory conditions. Other tests, like spirometry, are more accurate for assessing lung health.

Your ability to hold your breath depends on various factors besides your lungs, such as mental strength and overall fitness. Even if you can hold your breath for a long time, it doesn’t guarantee that your lungs are healthy. Dr. Shivakumar points out that this test doesn’t measure important aspects of lung function, like lung capacity and gas exchange efficiency.

So, how can you know if your lungs are healthy? There isn’t a simple answer. Dr. Shivakumar says that healthy lung function varies from person to person, and there’s no set time for holding your breath that indicates good lung health.

Instead of relying on quick tests from social media, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation of your lung health. Remember, when it comes to your health, it’s better to be safe than sorry.