Asthma Evaluation
Investigate episodic wheezing, chest tightness, cough, or breathlessness. Bronchodilator testing may help assess reversible airflow obstruction.
On-site spirometry and pulmonary function testing in Beverly Hills for patients throughout Los Angeles. My Concierge MD offers spirometry, including pre- and post-bronchodilator breathing tests, to help evaluate shortness of breath, persistent cough, wheezing, suspected asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and changes in respiratory function over time. David Nazarian, MD, a board-certified internal medicine physician, evaluates your symptoms and determines which testing is medically appropriate.
Request a Pulmonary Function Evaluation
What Is Pulmonary Function Testing?
Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) are noninvasive assessments of how effectively your lungs move air and, with certain specialized tests, exchange gases. Spirometry is a common first-line breathing test that measures how much air you can exhale and how quickly you can exhale it. Depending on symptoms and the clinical question, a physician may recommend additional testing through a dedicated pulmonary laboratory.
When Might You Need a Lung Function Test?
COPD and Smoking-Related Risk
Assess airflow limitation in people with smoking history, chronic cough, or other relevant exposures and monitor known respiratory disease.
Unexplained Shortness of Breath
Help determine whether airflow obstruction may contribute to breathing symptoms, alongside appropriate cardiac and other medical evaluation.
Monitoring Treatment
Track respiratory function over time and help assess response to inhalers or other clinician-directed therapies.
Persistent Cough or Post-Infection Symptoms
Evaluate ongoing symptoms after a respiratory infection when clinically indicated; testing alone does not establish the cause.
Preoperative or Occupational Evaluation
Selected patients may need pulmonary assessment before surgery or for documented workplace exposures; testing is individualized.
Types of Pulmonary Function Tests
Spirometry
Measures forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), and their ratio. These measurements help identify obstructive patterns and guide further evaluation. Spirometry alone cannot definitively confirm restrictive lung disease.
Pre- and Post-Bronchodilator Spirometry
Compares airflow measurements before and after an inhaled bronchodilator, when indicated, to evaluate the degree of response. A normal or negative response does not by itself exclude asthma.
Full Lung Volumes
Specialized testing can measure total lung capacity and air trapping and may help confirm restriction. This generally requires dedicated equipment.
Diffusing Capacity (DLCO)
Measures aspects of gas transfer across the lungs and can be helpful in evaluating selected pulmonary conditions. It is not the same test as routine office spirometry.
Other Specialized Pulmonary Studies
For selected patients, pulmonology laboratories may offer bronchial challenge testing, six-minute walk testing, exercise evaluation, or other studies. These are not automatically part of a routine office assessment.
On-site testing at My Concierge MD: Our Beverly Hills office offers spirometry, including pre- and post-bronchodilator testing when clinically appropriate. These tests help evaluate airflow limitation and the response to an inhaled bronchodilator. Specialized testing such as full lung-volume measurement, diffusing capacity (DLCO), or bronchial challenge studies may require referral to a dedicated pulmonary function laboratory.
What to Expect During Pulmonary Function Testing
01 · Medical Review
Discuss breathing symptoms, relevant conditions, medications, and smoking or exposure history.
02 · Test Preparation
Follow individualized instructions about inhalers, exercise, meals, and clothing. Do not stop prescribed medication unless instructed.
03 · Breathing Assessment
For spirometry, breathe through a mouthpiece and perform several coached breathing maneuvers.
04 · Results and Next Steps
Review findings and whether additional tests, treatment changes, or pulmonology referral are needed.
How to Prepare for a Spirometry Test
Wear comfortable clothing and tell the team about your inhalers, recent respiratory infection, recent surgery, chest pain, or other medical conditions. Preparation requirements vary by test and indication. You may be asked to avoid smoking, strenuous exercise, or certain inhaled medications for a specified period, but do not withhold medication without instructions from your clinician.
Pulmonary Function Testing in Beverly Hills and Los Angeles
Our Beverly Hills practice serves patients from Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Century City, Brentwood, Bel Air, Westwood, Santa Monica, Hollywood Hills, and surrounding areas. We integrate respiratory concerns into broader internal medicine and primary care evaluations and, when appropriate, executive health assessments. For complex findings, we coordinate referral to a pulmonologist or dedicated pulmonary function laboratory.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lung Function Testing
Is pulmonary function testing the same as spirometry?
No. Spirometry is one type of pulmonary function test. A complete PFT may also include lung volumes and diffusing capacity, depending on the clinical question.
Can spirometry diagnose asthma or COPD?
Spirometry helps identify airflow obstruction and is central to evaluating COPD and asthma. Diagnosis requires clinical context and, in some cases, additional testing; normal spirometry does not always exclude asthma.
Does a pulmonary function test hurt?
Spirometry is noninvasive. It requires several strong breathing efforts and may cause brief lightheadedness or coughing. Tell the testing team if you feel unwell.
How long does a pulmonary function test take?
Routine spirometry is often relatively brief, while a comprehensive pulmonary laboratory evaluation takes longer. Duration depends on the tests ordered and your ability to complete the maneuvers.
Can you test lung function after COVID-19 or another respiratory infection?
Testing may be appropriate for persistent breathing symptoms after an infection, but the timing and choice of tests depend on your symptoms and medical history.
Do I need a referral for pulmonary function testing?
Contact our office to discuss scheduling, medical evaluation, and whether a particular test requires an order or referral.
Schedule a Pulmonary Function Evaluation in Beverly Hills
If you are experiencing chronic cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, or need respiratory follow-up, request an appointment or call (310) 299-8959. Our team can confirm available tests, preparation, and next steps.
Severe shortness of breath, chest pain, blue lips, fainting, or other potentially life-threatening symptoms require immediate emergency evaluation. Call 911 in an emergency.
Medically reviewed by David Nazarian, MD on