What is Respiratory Medicine?
Respiratory Medicine, or pulmonology, is a medical specialty that treats conditions relating to the respiratory system, which includes the nose, throat, larynx, windpipe, lungs and diaphragm. The respiratory system plays a critical role in human physiology, facilitating the intake of oxygen and the expulsion of carbon dioxide. Acute respiratory conditions can affect both the upper respiratory system, such as allergic rhinitis caused by allergens or the lower respiratory system such as asthma and pneumonia.
Disorders may be due to underlying conditions such as heart or lung disease.
Common Respiratory conditions
Respiratory physicians are trained to diagnose and manage a diverse array of respiratory conditions, including:
Infections
- Pneumonia: Inflammation of the lungs, often caused by bacteria or viruses.
- Bronchitis: Inflammation of the bronchi, often accompanied by coughing and mucus production.
- Tuberculosis: A contagious bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs.
Obstructive Lung Diseases
- Asthma
A chronic condition characterized by airway inflammation and narrowing, leading to wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath.
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
A progressive lung disease characterized by airflow limitation, often caused by smoking.
Restrictive Lung Diseases
- Interstitial Lung Disease
A group of disorders characterized by scarring and inflammation of the lung tissue, leading to difficulty breathing.
- Pulmonary Fibrosis
A specific type of interstitial lung disease characterized by progressive scarring of the lungs.
Other Respiratory Conditions
- Lung Cancer: The uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the lungs.
- Pulmonary Embolism: A blockage in the pulmonary arteries, usually caused by a blood clot.
- Pneumothorax: A collapsed lung caused by air leaking into the space between the lung and chest wall.
- Sleep Apnea: A sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep.
Our dedicated teams of experienced multidisciplinary specialists and healthcare professionals work together to provide treatment plans tailored to the needs of our patients on their recovery journey.
Speak to our Specialists today.
