Impact of Reflux and Aspiration on Lung Disease: Mechanisms, Patterns of Injury, and Clinical Management
Reflux, aspiration and respiratory disease Impact of Reflux and Aspiration on Lung Disease: Mechanisms, Patterns of Injury, and Clinical Management Reflux and aspiration can contribute to cough, wheeze, recurrent infection and longer-term airway injury—even when heartburn is absent. Understanding the mechanism and pattern of lung damage is essential before deciding how it should be treated. […]
Hay Fever and Respiratory Health
Allergic rhinitis, pollen exposure, asthma and respiratory health Understanding Hay Fever in Respiratory Health Hay fever is an allergic reaction affecting the nose and often the eyes. For people with asthma or another respiratory condition, pollen exposure may also worsen cough, wheeze, chest tightness and breathlessness. Understanding your triggers, using treatment correctly and keeping asthma […]
Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO): A Quick Guide
Asthma diagnosis, type 2 airway inflammation and treatment monitoring Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO): A Quick Guide Fractional exhaled nitric oxide testing is a quick, non-invasive breathing test that measures nitric oxide in exhaled air. It helps identify type 2 or eosinophilic airway inflammation, supports the diagnosis of asthma and can provide useful information about […]
Breathing Pattern Dysfunction: What is it and what can you do about it?
Understanding persistent breathlessness, air hunger and altered breathing Breathing Pattern Dysfunction: What Is It and What Can You Do About It? Breathing pattern dysfunction, also called breathing pattern disorder or dysfunctional breathing, describes an inefficient or altered way of breathing that can cause breathlessness, chest tightness, air hunger, dizziness, tingling, palpitations and fatigue. It can […]
Demystifying Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis
Understanding an important Aspergillus-related airway disorder Demystifying Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, usually shortened to ABPA, is an exaggerated immune response to Aspergillus within susceptible airways. It most often affects people with asthma or cystic fibrosis and can cause worsening wheeze, thick mucus, recurrent lung abnormalities and bronchiectasis. Aspergillus allergy Asthma Thick mucus plugs […]
The Impact of Mast Cell Activation Syndrome on Respiratory Symptoms
Understanding mast-cell mediators, breathing symptoms and diagnostic uncertainty The Impact of Mast Cell Activation Syndrome on Respiratory Symptoms Mast Cell Activation Syndrome, usually abbreviated to MCAS, describes recurrent systemic episodes in which mast-cell mediators are released inappropriately. Wheeze, throat tightness, nasal congestion and breathlessness may occur, but these symptoms overlap with asthma, rhinosinusitis, inducible laryngeal […]
Understanding Haemoptysis: What It Is and How It’s Treated
Every so often, your body may exhibit alarming symptoms – one of these is haemoptysis, or coughing up blood. While it can be distressing, understanding what it is and how it’s treated is the first step to managing it effectively. As a respiratory specialist, I aim to demystify this topic, shedding light on the causes, […]
Asthma Diagnosis: Understanding the Role of FeNO Testing
If you’ve been experiencing symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, or chest tightness, you may be wondering if you have asthma. One of the key tools in asthma diagnosis is a test known as the Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO) test. This test measures the levels of nitric oxide in your breath, which can […]
Tips to manage breathlessness at home during COVID
What is Breathlessness? Breathlessness is the uncomfortable sensation of not being able to breathe either at rest or during any physical activity. Breathlessness makes it feel as if sufficient air cannot be taken into the lungs. This is also referred to as dyspnea, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. Why does COVID 19 cause Breathlessness? […]
