UNAM researchers study breath analysis for respiratory disease detection

Researchers from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) and the National Institute of Respiratory Diseases are studying the relationship between exhaled breath and respiratory health. Using high-resolution mass spectrometry, the team aims to identify volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that act as a “chemical fingerprint” for various conditions.

By analyzing these compounds, such as hydrocarbons, alcohols, ketones, and aldehydes, scientists hope to detect signs of inflammation, infection, or tissue damage. Preliminary tests have successfully distinguished between healthy individuals, patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and those with lung cancer. In lung cancer patients, researchers identified up to eight specific compounds within the analyzed profiles.

This non-invasive method offers a potential alternative to more invasive diagnostic tests. While a single breath cannot provide a definitive diagnosis, the chemical data can be used alongside clinical histories and other medical tests to support earlier and more personalized detection of respiratory diseases.