Respiratory Health Services

Better Breathing. Better Health. Stronger Communities.

Respiratory health is a vital part of overall wellbeing. Healthy lungs support our ability to work, learn, care for family, participate in community life, and enjoy physical activity. Unfortunately, respiratory disease continues to place a significant burden on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, contributing to higher rates of illness, hospitalisation, and premature mortality.

Conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic bronchitis, emphysema, bronchiectasis, interstitial lung disease, and sleep-disordered breathing can significantly impact quality of life and long-term health outcomes.

At First Australians Health, we are committed to improving access to culturally safe respiratory diagnostic services by providing advanced respiratory testing closer to community. By supporting early detection and timely intervention, we aim to reduce the impact of respiratory disease and improve health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Why Lung Health Matters

Our lungs play a critical role in delivering oxygen throughout the body. When breathing is affected, it can have wide-ranging consequences on physical health, mental wellbeing, energy levels, and overall quality of life.

Symptoms of respiratory disease may include:

• Shortness of breath
• Persistent cough
• Wheezing
• Chest tightness
• Reduced exercise tolerance
• Frequent respiratory infections
• Fatigue
• Reduced energy levels

Many respiratory conditions develop gradually over time and may go unnoticed until significant lung damage has occurred. Early detection through respiratory testing can help identify disease sooner and support more effective treatment and management.

Respiratory Disease and Chronic Health Conditions

Respiratory disease is often associated with other chronic health conditions that disproportionately affect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Respiratory impairment is commonly linked with:

• Cardiovascular disease
• Hypertension
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Sleep apnoea
• Chronic kidney disease
• Depression and anxiety
• Reduced physical activity
• Increased risk of hospitalisation

Many patients experience multiple conditions at the same time. For example, sleep apnoea, COPD, obesity, and cardiovascular disease frequently occur together and can significantly increase health risks when left untreated.

This is why First Australians Health promotes an integrated model of care where respiratory health is assessed alongside sleep health, cardiac health, chronic disease management, and lifestyle programs.

Respiratory Diagnostic Testing

Spirometry

Spirometry is one of the most commonly performed respiratory tests and helps assess how well the lungs are functioning.

Spirometry measures:

• The amount of air a person can breathe in
• The amount of air a person can breathe out
• How quickly air can be exhaled

Spirometry can assist in diagnosing and monitoring conditions such as:

• Asthma
• COPD
• Chronic bronchitis
• Emphysema
• Occupational lung disease

The test is simple, non-invasive, and provides valuable information about lung function.

Portable Respiratory Function Testing

First Australians Health supports the use of portable respiratory diagnostic equipment that can be deployed within Aboriginal Medical Services, community clinics, outreach programs, and regional locations.

Portable respiratory testing may include:

• Spirometry
• Bronchodilator response testing
• Oximetry
• Respiratory screening assessments

These services help reduce barriers associated with travel while increasing access to specialist diagnostic testing closer to home.

Portable testing plays an important role in supporting earlier diagnosis and ongoing monitoring of respiratory disease in regional, rural, and remote communities.

Comprehensive Lung Function Testing

Some patients require a more detailed evaluation of their respiratory system through advanced pulmonary function testing.

Comprehensive respiratory assessment may include:

Lung Volumes (Body Plethysmography)

Body plethysmography, commonly known as a “Body Box” test, is one of the most advanced methods available for measuring lung function.

Using specialised respiratory equipment such as systems manufactured by leading respiratory diagnostic companies, clinicians can assess:

• Total lung capacity
• Residual volume
• Air trapping
• Hyperinflation
• Restrictive lung disease
• Obstructive lung disease

These tests provide detailed information that cannot be obtained through standard spirometry alone.

Body Box testing can be particularly valuable when investigating:

• COPD
• Emphysema
• Interstitial lung disease
• Pulmonary fibrosis
• Unexplained breathlessness
• Complex respiratory conditions

Gas Transfer Testing (DLCO)

Gas transfer testing measures how effectively oxygen moves from the lungs into the bloodstream.

This assessment may assist in identifying:

• Emphysema
• Interstitial lung disease
• Pulmonary vascular disease
• Pulmonary fibrosis
• Long-term smoking-related lung damage

Reduced gas transfer can be an early indicator of significant respiratory disease even when routine spirometry appears normal.

Respiratory Testing and Sleep Health

Respiratory disease and sleep-disordered breathing often occur together.

Many patients with:

• COPD
• Emphysema
• Obesity
• Heart failure
• Neuromuscular disorders

may also experience sleep-disordered breathing or obstructive sleep apnoea.

Both conditions can contribute to:

• Low oxygen levels
• Poor sleep quality
• Daytime fatigue
• Reduced concentration
• Increased cardiovascular risk

For this reason, First Australians Health adopts a holistic approach to assessment, recognising the close relationship between lung health, sleep health, cardiovascular health, and chronic disease management.