Breathing Tests: Spirometry, Lung Volumes and Oximetry
Breathing tests, also called pulmonary function tests, show how well your lungs are working. Dr. David Kupferberg uses them to diagnose and monitor conditions such as asthma and COPD, and offers them in the clinic and, for some tests, at home visits.
Dr. David KupferbergPulmonary & Critical Care Physician
Which breathing tests does Dr. Kupferberg offer?
Dr. Kupferberg offers four breathing tests. Here is what each one measures, in plain words:
- Spirometry: you breathe in as deeply as you can, then blow out as hard and fast as you can into a mouthpiece. It measures how much air you can blow out, and how quickly, which helps diagnose and monitor asthma and COPD.
- Spirometry with a bronchodilator: the test is repeated after you inhale a medicine that opens the airways, to see how much your breathing improves.
- Lung volumes: this test measures how much air your lungs hold in total, including the air left in them after you breathe out fully, which spirometry alone can’t show.
- Walking (exertional) oximetry: a small clip on your finger measures the oxygen level in your blood at rest and while you walk, to see whether it drops with activity.
In the clinic or at home
All four tests are done in the clinic. When a home visit is needed and feasible, spirometry, with or without a bronchodilator, can also be done at home with a portable spirometer, and so can walking oximetry.
Spirometry and lung-volume tests are charged in addition to the consultation.
Do I need to stop my inhalers before the test?
Only if you know you are booked for spirometry (with or without a bronchodilator) or lung volumes. If you are coming for a regular visit or for walking oximetry, keep taking your inhalers as usual.
If you are booked for spirometry or lung volumes, stop each type of inhaler before your test, the number of hours shown:
| Inhaler type | Examples (brands sold in Israel) | Stop before the test |
|---|---|---|
| Short-acting reliever | Ventolin, Airomir | 6 hours |
| Short-acting ipratropium | Atrovent | 12 hours |
| Twice-daily long-acting or combination | Symbicort, Budicort, Seretide, Foster, Serevent, Foradil | 24 hours |
| Once-daily long-acting or combination | Spiriva, Relvar, Anoro, Trelegy, Ultibro, Onbrez, Spiolto | 48 hours |
| Steroid-only inhalers | QVAR, Flixotide, Pulmicort | Can usually be continued |
Before and on the day of the test
If you become short of breath, use your reliever inhaler. Your safety comes first. Tell us when you arrive.
On the day of the test:
- Bring all your inhalers and a list of your medicines
- Wear comfortable clothing
- Avoid smoking and a heavy meal just before the test
Frequently asked questions
Is spirometry included in the consultation?
No. Spirometry and lung-volume tests are charged in addition to the consultation. The clinic is private and has no contracts with any kupat holim or insurer at present, but you can ask for a receipt to claim from your own supplementary or private insurance.
Should I stop my inhalers before a regular visit?
No. Keep taking your inhalers as usual. Only patients who know they are booked for spirometry or lung volumes stop their inhalers beforehand, as shown in the table on this page. If you become short of breath while you are off them, use your reliever inhaler and tell us when you arrive.
Can spirometry be done at home?
Yes, at a home visit, when one is needed and feasible. Dr. Kupferberg brings a portable spirometer for spirometry, with or without a bronchodilator, and walking oximetry can be done at home too. Home visits are arranged by WhatsApp or email.
Can I get my results in English?
Yes. Dr. Kupferberg speaks English, Hebrew and French, so he can explain your results in whichever you prefer. He can also write a medical report in English, which is useful if your doctors are abroad.
Sources
Book a breathing test
Book a visit with Dr. Kupferberg, or contact him by WhatsApp or email to ask about a home visit.
In an emergency, such as severe shortness of breath or chest pain, call Magen David Adom at 101 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Related pages
Asthma
Diagnosis and follow-up of asthma in adults, with breathing tests in the clinic and a written plan.
COPD
Evaluation and long-term care of COPD, with breathing tests, an oxygen check while walking and a plan for flare-ups.
Inhaler Technique
A video and step-by-step guide for adults using a metered-dose inhaler with a spacer.