Respiratory medicine

Breathing (respiratory) problems can often be quite frightening to experience. Whether you’re frustrated by a long-term cough, concerned about increased shortness of breath, or worried about chest pain when you breathe in, you’ll appreciate rapid assessment and treatment from an experienced Consultant.

Respiratory medicine involves the diagnosis and management of diseases in the lower respiratory tract (trachea, bronchi and lungs). This includes the airways (bronchi), the substance of the lung (known as lung parenchyma which include air sacs (alveoli) and the blood vessels.

A Consultant in Respiratory Medicine also manages diseases of the lining (pleura) of the lung and chest wall and those affecting some structures in the centre of the chest (known as mediastinal structures) such as lymph glands.

You may have entirely new respiratory symptoms and you’d like expert help to find out what’s causing them and how they can be treated. Alternatively, you may be experiencing a flare-up of an existing respiratory condition that has previously been well managed, and you’d appreciate guidance on getting it under control once again.

The Consultant Respiratory Physicians at The Alexandra Hospital in Manchester provide assessment, diagnosis, treatment and management for a wide variety of respiratory conditions and symptoms. They would be delighted to help you too.

A number of symptoms can indicate a problem (or potential problem) in the respiratory system. Some of the more common symptoms of a respiratory problem include:

• Breathlessness;
• Persistent coughing;
• Coughing up blood or sputum;
• Shallow or rapid breathing;
• Chest pain, and
• Wheezing.

If you have any of the symptoms listed above that are causing you concern, it is sensible to seek expert medical help. Earlier assessment and diagnosis will help you to start any treatment needed sooner.

There are many conditions that can cause problems in the respiratory system. These include:

• Allergies;
• Vascular problems;
• Autoimmune problems;
• Inflammatory problems;
• Infection, and
• Cancer.

Some of the respiratory conditions that are included within these categories include:

• Asthma;
• Pneumonia;
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD);
• Interstitial lung disease: such as pulmonary fibrosis (scar tissue in the lungs);
• Lung cancer;
• Bronchitis: inflammation of the airways (bronchi) in the lungs;
• Bronchiectasis;
• Sarcoidosis: an inflammatory condition that can cause shortness of breath and/or a persistent cough, and
• Obstructive sleep apnoea.

Although many respiratory complaints cannot be cured, their symptoms can often be successfully managed. Treatment may include inhalers or medicine (such as antibiotics, steroids, immune modulators or other) and is always tailored to the individua to ensure they see the best relief of symptoms possible.

At your first consultation at The Alexandra Hospital, your Consultant will discuss the symptoms you’re experiencing in detail. They will review any treatment you are currently having and will carry out a physical examination of your chest and any other relevant systems to help aid diagnosis.

Due to the complexity of the respiratory system, you may be referred for further investigations to help narrow down what is causing your symptoms. These tests may include:

• Spirometry: this measures airflow and lung capacity, and can also be used to demonstrate inflammation in the airways;
• Serial peak flow measurements: these are easily done at home with a peak flow meter (most people with asthma will be told to regularly check their peak flow reading to ensure their current treatment is continuing to relieve their symptoms sufficiently);
• Chest X-ray: this may demonstrate the presence of fluid, infection or other abnormalities within the lungs;
• Blood tests, and
• Analysis of previous tests (when available).

In addition, diagnostic imaging can be helpful for some respiratory symptoms and conditions:

• Computed tomography (CT) of the chest: provides detailed cross-sectional images through the chest;
• Bronchoscopy: a telescopic view of the airways. Carried out under sedation, samples (biopsies) can be taken for further analysis;
• Ultrasound (U/S) of the chest: can also be used for guided drainage of fluid between the lung and chest wall, and
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan: provides superior images of the spine and soft tissues within the chest.

More advanced investigations such as sleep studies, positron emission tomography (PET) scans and EBUS-TBNA (for cellular analysis of lymph glands) can also be requested.

Once any results are back, your Consultant will discuss them with you and talk through treatment options. If you have any questions or concerns, they will be very happy to discuss these with you. Treatment is always planned around your specific conditions and symptoms. Follow-up appointments help monitor the efficacy of treatment. Your Consultant can make adjustments when needed (for example, using a different type of asthma inhaler) to ensure you continue to receive the best symptom relief.

As the largest private hospital in the country outside London, we have access to state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment and leading experts in respiratory health.

When you visit a Consultant Respiratory Physician at The Alexandra Hospital in Manchester, you will benefit from:

• Expert assessment ASAP – Certain chest and lung conditions respond best to treatment when they are diagnosed at the earliest possible stage. We can easily and quickly arrange a respiratory appointment for you.
• Rapid access to diagnostic tests – Our comprehensive imaging capabilities mean that scans can be carried out quickly. On-site Radiologists provide fast reporting on scans, so your Consultant will have the results back and be able to start formulating your treatment plan sooner.
• Depth of experience – Respiratory Physicians have accredited training as well as experience in General Medicine. This means they are often able to manage many other medical problems and can direct your care to another specialist within BMI The Alexandra Hospital where appropriate.
• Personalised care – Respiratory conditions do not have a ‘one size fits all’ treatment. The very best treatment for your condition will be tailored to your unique needs.
• Flexible appointments – With respiratory consultations available throughout the week, you will be able to book your visit at a time that is convenient for you. If required (and where clinically appropriate) remote consultations can be provided by telephone or video call.
• Convenient location - With superb road access and a 440-space car park, it is very easy to visit us.
• Recommended by patients – In an independent survey, 97.3% of patients said they were likely or highly likely to recommend us to their family and friends.

If you have any respiratory condition causing you concern, whether new or a flare-up of a pre-existing condition, good help is available, sooner than you may think. Book your private appointment with one of our Consultant Respiratory Physicians today.