Institute for Respiratory and Sleep Medicine.
Metro: 08 6200 0877
Bunbury: 08 9711 1889
Advanced Diagnostic Capability in Respiratory & Sleep Medicine
Detecting disease earlier, more accurately, and where standard testing falls short.
Most respiratory and sleep conditions are not missed because they are rare — but because they are not measured correctly.
Why Standard Testing Often Falls Short
Many patients present with:
- Persistent cough with normal imaging
- Breathlessness with normal spirometry
- Fatigue with a “normal” sleep study
- Asthma that does not respond to treatment
These are not uncommon presentations.
Standard testing often:
- Focuses on late-stage disease
- Misses small airway dysfunction
- Relies on thresholds that may not reflect physiology
- Fails to explain symptoms when results appear “normal”
This creates diagnostic uncertainty and delays appropriate treatment.
What We Do Differently
At Western Respiratory Sleep, diagnostic testing is designed to assess underlying physiology, not just threshold-based results.
We focus on identifying:
- Small airway disease before spirometry becomes abnormal
- Subtle airflow limitation and airway resistance patterns
- Early or atypical asthma physiology
- Sleep-disordered breathing beyond standard AHI thresholds
This allows earlier diagnosis, more precise treatment decisions, and reduced reliance on trial-and-error therapy.
ADVANCED LUNG FUNCTION TESTING
We perform comprehensive lung function testing beyond standard spirometry.
Forced Oscillation Technique (FOT)
Detects small airway dysfunction and airway stiffness not visible on spirometry.
Bronchoprovocation Testing with FOT
Only lab in WA performing this.
Measures airway resistance/reactance during tidal breathing.
Detects subtle or early airway dysfunction not reflected in spirometry.
Gas Transfer & Lung Volumes
Identifies gas exchange abnormalities and air trapping.
Respiratory Muscle Testing (MIP / MEP / SNIP)
Assesses neuromuscular causes of breathlessness.
Supine vs Erect FVC
Screens for diaphragmatic weakness.
ADVANCED SLEEP DIAGNOSTICS
Comprehensive polysomnography with flow limitation and REM analysis.
Overnight oximetry for monitoring.
Integrated therapy:
- Positional therapy trials
- MAS pathways
FeNO
Identifies eosinophilic inflammation.
Rhinometry
Assesses nasal obstruction.
Explanation of symptoms when standard tests are normal
- Earlier diagnosis
Clinical Impact
Advanced diagnostics allows:
Reduced uncertainty
- Targeted therapy
Improved adherence
