Did you know that over 46,000 Western Australians—about 1 in 6 people over 45—are living with COPD, often without realising it? Many could improve their quality of life with early detection and proper care.
This World COPD Day, we’re joining the global movement led by the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) to shed light on this condition, its symptoms, and the support available to those affected.
This year’s theme is “Knowing Your Lungs” which is about using lung function testing for reliable data on lung performance allowing accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
At Respiratory Care WA, we believe that understanding your lung health is the key to better breathing and a better quality of life and offer free, personalised lung function testing by world-best Respiratory Scientists with four-year university degrees in Clinical Measurement Science.
What Is COPD?
COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) is a long-term lung condition that includes both emphysema and chronic bronchitis. It causes airways in the lungs to narrow, making it difficult to breathe during everyday activities.
COPD often develops over years due to exposure to tobacco smoke, second-hand smoke, or irritants like dust, fumes, or chemicals in the workplace. Early stages are typically symptom-free, but as it progresses, signs like breathlessness, wheezing, chest tightness, low energy, and a persistent, mucus-producing cough can appear.
A COPD flare-up, or exacerbation, is when symptoms suddenly worsen. With nearly 5,000 West Australians hospitalised each year, COPD remains the leading cause of preventable hospitalisations in our state.
Meet Aofie
Lung function testing, particularly Spirometry, is considered the gold standard for diagnosing respiratory conditions COPD and asthma. Accurate diagnosis is much more than just test results. The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) guidelines recommend spirometry as a starting point, but effective diagnosis combines these test results with a comprehensive understanding of each patient’s background and symptoms.
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. Whilst all our results are read by a respiratory specialist, we also have respiratory scientists delivering the testing. Meet our Respiratory Scientist Aoife. Her 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.
How Respiratory Care WA Can Help
This July, we proudly celebrated 60 years of serving Western Australians, marking a pivotal moment in our history. To better reflect our expanded services for people with COPD, we’ve evolved from Asthma WA to Respiratory Care WA.
Our Respiratory Hubs in Perth and the South West offer bulk-billed Lung Function Testing (LFT), a non-invasive test that helps diagnose COPD and assess lung health. Learn more about LFT.
Our expert Respiratory Health Educators are here to support individuals, families, and carers with:
- Understanding COPD triggers and symptoms
- Medication usage and device techniques
- Creating effective COPD Action Plans
- Answering any questions you have along the way
World COPD Day Resources
Download free World COPD Day 2024 social media graphics and downloadable COPD resources.
