Respiratory

Commonly treated respiratory issues include but not limited to:

Asthma is a common condition affecting all ages, causing narrowing and inflammation of the airways. Symptoms may include cough, wheeze, and breathlessness which can occur either intermittently or persistently depending on the overall severity. Asthma can usually be well controlled with inhaled medication and avoidance of triggers. In severe cases, recently developed biologic therapy can be considered.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common disorder most commonly caused by long term exposure to cigarette smoking. COPD consists of both emphysema (destruction of alveoli) and chronic bronchitis (inflammation of bronchial tubes). Symptoms include shortness of breath, and chronic cough with sputum production. Treatment includes smoking cessation, inhaled therapy, and pulmonary rehabilitation. In severe cases home oxygen can be considered, along with bronchoscopic and surgical interventions.

Lung nodules are commonly found when imaging of the chest is performed and are usually incidental findings. Fortunately, they are usually benign in nature and may relate to previous or current infections. In rare cases they can be due to lung cancer. Management frequently consists of observation with serial CT scans. In some circumstances, more specialised investigation and biopsy may be required.

Lung Cancer is the most common cause of cancer related mortality in Australia. It is commonly associated with a history of cigarette smoking however many cases occur in non-smokers. Depending on the stage of cancer, treatment options include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and novel target therapies. Lung cancer screening programs may soon be available in Australia, leading to improved patient outcomes.

Bronchiectasis is a chronic condition characterised by dilation, thickening, and scarring of the bronchial airways. Causes include severe or recurrent respiratory tract infections, immune deficiencies, as well as rarer autoimmune and genetic disorders. Patients may suffer from a chronic productive cough and frequent respiratory tract infections. Management commonly includes airway clearance techniques, physiotherapy, antibiotics when required, and the treatment of underlying causes.

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a group of disorders characterised by progressive fibrosis (scarring) of lung tissue. Fibrosis causes stiffening of the lungs leading to breathlessness, reduced exercise capacity and cough. Causes include long term exposure to occupational dust and environmental allergens, autoimmune conditions, but in many cases a cause is not found (idiopathic). Treatment may include anti-fibrotic medication, immune suppression, pulmonary rehabilitation, and supplemental oxygen when needed. In rare cases, lung transplantation can be considered.

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a condition causing high blood pressure within the blood vessels of the lungs. If progressive, PH may cause strain and failure of the right side of the heart. Patients most commonly suffer from shortness of breath and reduced exercise capacity. PH may be caused by other conditions of the lung, heart dysfunction and autoimmune disorders. Management most commonly involves the treatment of the underlying cause and in rare cases, specialised targeted medication.

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