How to Do a Lung Test at Home? A Complete Guide

Breathing is something we often take for granted—until it becomes difficult. With rising pollution levels, lifestyle changes, and the lingering impact of COVID-19, respiratory issues have become increasingly common across all age groups. From asthma and COPD to post-viral lung complications, early detection is key to effective treatment. However, many people delay getting tested due to lack of time, mobility issues, or the hassle of visiting diagnostic centers. That’s where home-based lung testing comes in. In this blog, we’ll guide you through simple and reliable ways to check your lung health at home and explain how VMEDO’s professional lung test at home service can help you take charge of your respiratory health—without stepping out of your comfort zone.

What Is a Lung Test?

A lung test or pulmonary function test (PFT) evaluates how well your lungs are working. It measures:

• Lung capacity (how much air your lungs can hold),

• Airflow (how quickly you can exhale),

• Oxygen exchange (how efficiently oxygen enters your bloodstream).

These tests are essential for diagnosing:

• Asthma

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

• Pulmonary fibrosis

• Bronchitis

• Post-COVID lung damage

Why Should You Do Lung Tests at Home?

Here are some common reasons to consider home-based lung testing:

1. Chronic Symptoms: Shortness of breath, frequent coughing, wheezing, or fatigue during mild activity.

2. History of Smoking or Pollution Exposure

3. Post-COVID Monitoring: After recovering from COVID-19, monitoring lung function helps detect long-term effects.

4. Respiratory Illness History: For people with asthma, COPD, or tuberculosis.

5. Preventive Screening: Especially for senior citizens or high-risk individuals.

Types of Lung Tests You Can Do at Home

1. Home Spirometry Test

What it is:
A spirometer is a device that measures how much air you inhale and exhale and how quickly you do it.

How it’s done:

• Sit upright in a comfortable position.

• Place the mouthpiece of the spirometer in your mouth and seal your lips around it.

• Take a deep breath in and then exhale as forcefully and as long as you can into the device.

• The device will show results like FVC (Forced Vital Capacity) and FEV1 (Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second).

Interpretation:

• Low FEV1 and FVC may indicate obstructive or restrictive lung diseases.

• The FEV1/FVC ratio is critical in diagnosing asthma and COPD.

Where to get it:
VMEDO offers PFT at home where a trained technician visits your location with a portable spirometer and provides accurate readings with a doctor’s consultation.

2. Peak Flow Meter Test

What it is:
A Peak Flow Meter is a simple handheld device that measures the highest speed of air you can blow out from your lungs.

Steps to use:

1. Stand or sit upright.

2. Set the meter to zero.

3. Take a deep breath.

4. Blow into the mouthpiece as fast and hard as possible.

5. Record the value shown.

6. Repeat 3 times and record the highest value.

Why it’s useful:

• Helps monitor asthma control.

• Can indicate narrowing of the airways before symptoms appear.

Tip: If values vary significantly from day to day, consult a healthcare provider.

3. Oxygen Saturation Test (Using Pulse Oximeter)

What it is:
A pulse oximeter measures oxygen saturation (SpO2) and pulse rate from your fingertip.

Steps:

1. Clean your finger.

2. Turn on the oximeter and place it on your finger.

3. Wait a few seconds for the reading.

Normal SpO2:

• 95–100% is considered healthy.

• Below 93% may require medical attention.

Note: This test doesn’t measure lung function directly but gives important clues about oxygen exchange efficiency.

4. Breath-Holding Test (DIY Method)

Steps:

• Inhale deeply and hold your breath.

• Time how long you can hold your breath comfortably.

What it tells you:

• This is a very rough and unscientific test.

• In healthy individuals, breath-holding time is around 30–60 seconds.

• Poor endurance may suggest compromised lung capacity.

Disclaimer: This is not a replacement for medical-grade lung testing.

Signs You Might Need a Lung Test

• Shortness of breath even with light activity

• Wheezing or chronic cough

• Chest tightness

• Frequent respiratory infections

• Need to use more pillows while sleeping due to breathing trouble

• Increased fatigue or weakness

Conditions Diagnosed via Lung Tests