Meet Aoife: The Heart and Science Behind Lung Function Testing at Respiratory Care WA

With World COPD Day, it’s the perfect time to reflect on this year’s theme: “Knowing Your Lungs.” At Respiratory Care WA, we believe that understanding your lung health is the key to better breathing and a better quality of life. With a background in Clinical Measurement Science and years of experience in respiratory testing, Aoife embodies this mission, bringing a unique mix of technical expertise and compassion to each patient she meets.

Originally from Ireland, she completed a rigorous four-year degree that combined physics, physiology, and hands-on diagnostic training across cardiac, vascular, and respiratory fields. After specialising in respiratory health, Aoife spent four years working in a Dublin hospital, gaining valuable experience with complex respiratory cases.

What truly sets Aoife apart is her approach to patient care. She doesn’t just run tests — she takes the time to get to know each person, listening to their concerns and understanding their story. For many patients, this personal connection and her dedication to accurate diagnostics have been transformative, helping them feel heard and understood after years of uncertainty.

Aoife Lowe, Respiratory Scientist BSc (honors)

Lung function testing, particularly spirometry, has long been recognised as essential for diagnosing respiratory conditions like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and asthma. According to the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD), spirometry remains the gold standard for diagnosing COPD, a condition that’s often under-diagnosed or diagnosed too late. This year’s theme of “Knowing Your Lungs” is especially relevant, as spirometry provides reliable data on lung performance, which is crucial for an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

At Respiratory Care WA, we offer a more thorough approach to lung health. Our testing isn’t just about numbers — it’s about the person behind the results. Aoife’s deep understanding of respiratory physiology, combined with her personal interactions with patients, allows her to interpret results within the context of each individual’s unique health journey.

For many clinicians, lung function testing can be daunting. Performing and interpreting spirometry accurately requires skill and experience, and uncertainties can lead to delays in diagnosis. This hesitation contributes to the widespread issue of late or under-diagnosed conditions, especially with COPD. At Respiratory Care WA, we aim to bridge this gap by providing accessible, reliable testing, overseen by skilled professionals like Aoife, who can interpret results with precision and empathy.

Many of our patients come to us after years of struggling with unanswered questions about their health. Thanks to Aoife’s expertise, they finally get the answers they need, gaining clarity on their respiratory health and a way forward. This aligns perfectly with the “Knowing Your Lungs” theme — by providing thorough, patient-centered testing, we’re helping people understand their lungs and take charge of their health.

One unique aspect of our service is the collaboration between Aoife and our team of respiratory physicians. As the only community-based organisation in Australia with specialists who report on lung function results, we’re able to provide a level of insight that’s typically only found in hospitals. Physicians bring an additional layer of expertise, particularly for complex cases or situations where medication effects need careful interpretation. This team approach ensures that each diagnosis is as accurate and comprehensive as possible.

For instance, our physicians might spot subtle improvements that suggest a medication’s effectiveness rather than a change in the underlying condition. This kind of insight is crucial for helping patients get the right treatment and follow-up care.

Not all lung conditions are the same. Some, like asthma and COPD, are “obstructive,” meaning they restrict airflow, while others, like pulmonary fibrosis, are “restrictive,” limiting lung capacity due to scarring or stiffness. Correctly identifying the type of condition is crucial for effective treatment. Aoife’s expertise enables her to distinguish between these types, helping patients understand what their symptoms mean and guiding them toward the right care.

A patient might come in with breathlessness and assume it’s asthma, but testing might reveal a restrictive condition. Aoife’s careful interpretation ensures that each patient gets a diagnosis that accurately reflects their condition.

At Respiratory Care WA, our mission is to make high-quality lung testing accessible to as many people as possible. We offer testing in multiple community locations, bringing the same level of care and accuracy found in hospitals directly to our patients. Our equipment meets international standards, and our processes align with guidelines from the American Thoracic Society and European Respiratory Society (ATS/ERS), ensuring reliability in every test.

For anyone dealing with ongoing respiratory issues, lung function testing is a vital step toward understanding and managing their condition. COPD, asthma, pulmonary fibrosis — these conditions all benefit from early and accurate diagnosis. With the right information, patients can receive more effective treatments, improve their quality of life, and finally gain control over their health.

This World COPD Day, as we emphasise the importance of “Knowing Your Lungs,” Aoife and our team at Respiratory Care WA are here to support that journey. By combining advanced testing with compassionate, patient-centered care, we’re helping individuals take the first step toward a healthier future.

If you or someone you know is struggling with unexplained breathlessness, consider reaching out to us. Aoife’s expertise, along with our commitment to quality care, can make all the difference in helping you breathe easier and live better.