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Pollution Chokes Young Lungs: PFTs Recommended
23 Dec
Summary
- Pollution now causes airway obstruction in healthy individuals.
- Doctors recommend lung function tests for unexplained symptoms.
- A PFT test takes 10-15 minutes and costs Rs 2,499.
Air pollution is increasingly causing airway obstruction in individuals without any prior respiratory complaints, leading doctors to recommend preventive Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs). A 19-year-old student in Ghaziabad, experiencing a persistent cough and chest tightness, is among many young adults being advised to undergo lung screening due to exposure to toxic air in the Delhi-NCR region.
Dr. Ankit Bhatia highlights that pollution is triggering airway issues even in those without a history of asthma or allergies, making PFTs essential for detecting early signs like breathlessness or cough. Previously, only individuals with existing lung conditions underwent this test, but now hospitals are seeing 5-6 patients per day for PFTs, including young professionals and outdoor workers.
The PFT, conducted in a spirometer device, takes 10 to 15 minutes and costs Rs 2,499. Doctors are also warning about the long-term risks, including potential lung cancer from prolonged exposure to particulate matter, emphasizing the importance of these lung screenings as a key diagnostic tool this season.
