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6 May, 2025

Breathe Easy: The Importance of Lung Function Tests on World Asthma Day

Breathe Easy: The Importance of Lung Function Tests on World Asthma Day

Each and every breath you take is a blessing. However, with over 339 million individuals suffering from asthma globally, that simple process can be an ordeal. In India alone, there are more than 37.9 million asthma sufferers of this chronic respiratory disease, making it among India's most prevalent chronic respiratory illnesses. This World Asthma Day reminds us of how imperative it is to raise awareness about asthma—not just verbally, though, but in practice as well.

The big step to managing asthma is an easy and painless one: lung function testing. Part of a full health check-up, these checks can spot problems before they worsen and give you and your doctor a better idea of your lung health.

At Mahajan Imaging & Labs, we believe proactive testing can turn asthma from a feared diagnosis into a manageable condition.

Why World Asthma Day Matters More Than Ever

World Asthma Day falls on the first Tuesday of each May, as promoted by the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA). It is an effort to provide more asthma education, decrease the rate of hospitalization, and promote regular, high-quality care. For 2025, the theme is “Asthma Education Empowers"—an appeal to learn about the condition, know the early warning signs, and employ the appropriate tools to treat it.

Let's consider

Asthma is the cause of almost 500,000 deaths across the globe annually, which are largely avoidable.

India accounts for more than 42% of worldwide asthma deaths, indicating the absence of awareness, testing, and timely management.

90% of deaths from asthma happen in low- and middle-income nations, where diagnosis and treatment are frequently postponed, as per the World Health Organization.

That is millions who are walking around with undiagnosed or mismanaged asthma—many dismissing the symptoms as hay fever or irritation from air pollutants.

The Role of Breathing Tests in the Early Diagnosis

The first line of defense is the breathing test, usually a pulmonary function test (PFT) or spirometry. It is an assessment of how much air you are able to breathe in and out and the rate at which you can exhale. These are essential to diagnose asthma and determine the effectiveness of the treatment.

Benefits and uses of breathing tests:

  • Recognize narrowing of the airways (a key symptom of asthma)
  • Identify the severity of the condition
  • Assess the effectiveness of medications
  • Identify the early stages of other respiratory disorders such as COPD or long-term bronchitis

In spite of the significance, the Lancet survey identified that as many as 70% of asthma cases in India are underdiagnosed, with the main cause of underdiagnosis being absence of access to simple tests such as spirometry.

At Mahajan Imaging & Labs, we offer sophisticated respiratory panels and precise lung function testing—providing you with the insights you need to be one step ahead.

Combining Lung Tests with Hemogram to Improve Asthma Management

Whereas breathing tests are essential, there is an extra benefit to the complete hemogram (CBC) test. Why is it important in asthma?

Hemogram test applications include:

  • Detecting elevated eosinophils, which often indicate allergic asthma
  • Identifying the bacterial infections that aggravate respiratory problems
  • Tracking overall immune response

When accompanied by lung function testing, the hemogram assists the doctor in developing a better idea about what is going on in your body. Mahajan Imaging offers complete health checkup services, including both of these tests, so you can get the complete checkup all at once.

Air Pollution: The Contemporary Menace to Healthy Lungs

Urban areas like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru regularly top the charts for poor air quality. In Delhi alone, PM2.5 levels often rise to over 10 times the WHO safe limit, leading to an alarming increase in asthma triggers. A 2023 report from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) found a 2.5x rise in asthma incidence in polluted metros over the past decade.

Children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing conditions are particularly vulnerable. For them, regular asthma control and monitoring isn’t optional—it’s essential.

Don't Wait for an Attack—Act Today

Here's the hard truth: the majority of asthma deaths are avoidable. What makes the difference? Early detection, ongoing monitoring, and tailored care.

Ask yourself:

  • Do you or someone you care about tend to wake up short of breath?
  • Do you struggle with wheezing or chest tightness after exposure to dust or cold?
  • Have you stayed away from the doctor, thinking, “it's just pollution"?

If the answer is yes, the time has come to take proactive action with a full health checkup. Here at Mahajan Imaging & Labs, respiratory wellness packages include:

  • Pulmonary function tests (PFT)
  • Advanced respiratory panels such as QIAstat-Dx and BioFire
  • Hemogram and inflammatory markers
  • X-rays and allergy testing panels, as indicated

Why Choose Mahajan Imaging & Labs?

With over 30 years of trust, Mahajan Imaging has become a name synonymous with excellence in diagnostics. We offer:

  • Accurate, AI-assisted diagnostic tools
  • Expert radiologists and lab technicians
  • One-stop respiratory testing and check-ups
  • Convenient home sample collection
  • Rapid turnaround and personalized care

When it comes to your lungs, don’t settle for guesswork. Choose India’s most advanced diagnostic partner.

Let This World Asthma Day Be a Turning Point

This World Asthma Day, make a commitment—not just to awareness, but to action. Asthma doesn’t have to rule your life. With the right tools, education, and support, you can breathe easy every day.

At Mahajan Imaging & Labs, your lungs are in expert hands. Let’s fight asthma together—one breath at a time.

Book Now and take control of your health today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is lung function testing and why is it helpful for asthma?

A lung function test, or spirometry, is a check on how well lungs are functioning. It is an assessment of the amount of air inhaled and exhaled, and how quickly. It is useful in the detection of asthma, monitoring of severity, and assessment of the effectiveness of treatment.

How frequently should an asthma patient be given a lung function test?

If you have asthma, you might need to have the lung function test done once or twice per year, or whenever you are changing medications or whenever there is an increase in symptoms.

Is the hemogram test beneficial for asthma patients?

Yes. The hemogram (CBC) test is able to indicate elevated white blood cells or eosinophils, which can trigger inflammation or allergies—two of the most common asthma causes. It is an informative tool for identifying asthma-related complications.

What are the common indicators that I may need to take a breathing test?

You may need to take a breathing test if:

  • Frequently feel short of breath
  • Cough or wheeze frequently
  • Experience tightness in the chest
  • Having trouble breathing after physical exertion or in smoggy air

These are the possible first symptoms of asthma or another lung disease.

Are children able to take a lung function test?

Children as young as 5-6 years old can undergo a spirometry test. It's safe, painless, and sometimes recommended if the child exhibits asthma or frequent coughing and wheezing.

Are lung function tests painful or dangerous?

Absolutely not. Lung function tests are entirely safe and painless. You just blow into one end of a tube that is attached to a machine. The procedure is done in about three minutes and provides vital information on the state of your lungs.

What are the components of a complete health check-up for respiratory disorders?

At Mahajan Imaging & Labs, our complete health check-up for respiratory health may comprise:

  • Lung function test (spirometry)
  • Hemogram (CBC)
  • Inflammatory markers
  • Chest X-ray
  • Allergy and Respiratory Panels
  • Expert medical review and consultation

How do I get a lung function or health check-up test booked with Mahajan Imaging?

You can book your test with us through our website, WhatsApp, or by calling our customer care. For quick and easy booking, you can chat with us on WhatsApp at +91 88828 97661 or speak directly to our support team at +91 11 4118 3838. We offer both in-centre testing and home sample collection, ensuring flexibility and convenience based on your preference.

Visit us at mahajanimaging.com to schedule your appointment or learn more about our full health check-up packages.

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