Lung Abscess: Causes, Pathogens, Risk Factors, Symptoms and Treatment
Lung infection and treatment Lung Abscess: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment A lung abscess is a pocket of pus that forms inside the lung after an infection damages lung tissue. It can cause fever, cough, chest pain, breathlessness and weight loss. Most people improve with antibiotics, although some need drainage or other specialist treatment. Symptoms […]
Plastic Bronchitis
Rare airway disease and bronchial casts Plastic Bronchitis: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment Plastic bronchitis is a rare condition in which firm, branching material forms inside the airways. These bronchial casts can partially or completely obstruct airflow and may occasionally cause a medical emergency. Bronchial casts Fontan circulation Lymphatic disease Eosinophilic inflammation Bronchoscopy DCMRL Plastic […]
What People Should Know Before an NTM Diagnosis
NTM lung disease guide What People Should Know Before an NTM Diagnosis An NTM diagnosis can feel frightening, confusing and strangely lonely. Understanding what the test results mean, why diagnosis can take time and why treatment is individualised can make the process feel more manageable. NTM versus tuberculosis Diagnostic criteria Watchful monitoring Antibiotic treatment Airway […]
Lung Health Check: What to Expect and Who Benefits
Private respiratory assessment, lung function and fitness Lung Health Check: What to Expect and Who Benefits A private lung health check provides a personalised assessment of respiratory health, symptoms, risk factors and physical performance. Depending on the individual, it may include spirometry, lung volumes, gas-transfer testing, FeNO, imaging review or cardiopulmonary exercise testing with measurement […]
Pneumocystis Jirovecii Pneumonia (PJP)
Opportunistic lung infection in immunocompromised patients Pneumocystis Jirovecii Pneumonia (PJP) Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia is a potentially life-threatening fungal lung infection that primarily affects people with impaired cell-mediated immunity. Prompt recognition, respiratory assessment and treatment are particularly important because PJP can progress rapidly in patients without HIV. HIV-associated PJP Non-HIV PJP Immunosuppression CT imaging β-D-glucan PCR […]
Managing and Preventing Stress Incontinence in Bronchiectasis
Bronchiectasis and bladder health Managing and Preventing Stress Incontinence in Bronchiectasis Persistent coughing and repeated airway-clearance efforts can place additional pressure on the pelvic floor. Understanding this connection can help people with bronchiectasis manage urinary leakage and seek appropriate support earlier. Pelvic-floor support Cough management Practical prevention Chronic coughing can affect pelvic-floor and bladder control. […]
Nontuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM): Where Did I Get It?
Understanding environmental exposure and NTM lung disease Nontuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM): Where Did I Get It? Nontuberculous mycobacteria are naturally present in water, soil, dust and damp built environments. For most people, exposure causes no illness. NTM pulmonary disease usually develops when environmental exposure occurs alongside susceptible airways, impaired mucus clearance or altered immune defence. Water […]
Smoking Cessation: Your Questions Answered
Evidence-based support for becoming smoke-free Smoking Cessation: Your Questions Answered Stopping smoking is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your lungs, heart and long-term health. Quitting can be difficult because tobacco dependence involves both nicotine addiction and established daily habits. The right treatment and behavioural support can make the process […]
Deciphering Causes of Chest Pain: Respiratory, Cardiac, Gastroenterolgical or Musculoskeletal?
Understanding chest discomfort without overlooking urgent causes Deciphering Causes of Chest Pain: Respiratory, Cardiac, Gastroenterological or Musculoskeletal? Chest pain can arise from the heart, lungs, oesophagus, chest wall, nerves or several other structures. The character of the pain may provide clues, but symptoms overlap and potentially serious causes cannot be excluded safely from an online […]
Understanding Latent Tuberculosis Infection (LTBI)
Understanding TB infection before it becomes active disease Understanding Latent Tuberculosis Infection (LTBI) Latent tuberculosis infection means that the immune system has responded to infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, but there is no evidence of active tuberculosis disease. People with LTBI have no TB symptoms and cannot pass TB to others, although preventive treatment may be […]
The Internal Medicine Physician: Who They Are and How They Can Help You
Adult Medicine Explained The Internal Medicine Physician: Who They Are and How They Can Help You An internal medicine physician, also known as an internist, specialises in diagnosing, treating, and preventing illnesses in adults. They are especially valuable when symptoms are complex, conditions overlap, or you need a doctor who can look at the bigger […]
The Complications of Untreated Obstructive Sleep Apnoea
Sleep-related breathing disorders and long-term health The Complications of Untreated Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Obstructive sleep apnoea is more than loud snoring. Repeated narrowing or closure of the upper airway can fragment sleep, reduce blood oxygen levels and place additional stress on the brain, cardiovascular system and metabolism. Untreated disease can affect alertness, safety, mood, relationships […]
Sleep hygiene: Mastering Sleep Quality and Conquering Insomnia
Healthy sleep habits, insomnia and restorative rest Sleep Hygiene: Mastering Sleep Quality and Conquering Insomnia Sleep hygiene describes the habits, routines and environmental conditions that support healthy sleep. It can improve the foundations of sleep, but persistent insomnia may require a more structured assessment and cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia rather than sleep-hygiene advice alone. […]
Understanding Obstructive Sleep Apnoea and Snoring
Snoring, sleep-disordered breathing and daytime sleepiness Understanding Obstructive Sleep Apnoea and Snoring Obstructive sleep apnoea causes repeated narrowing or closure of the upper airway during sleep. It can fragment sleep, lower oxygen levels and cause significant daytime symptoms, even when the person is unaware of waking during the night. Why people snore OSA symptoms Sleep […]
Unravelling the Mystery of Night Sweats: Causes, Tests, and Management
Persistent sweating, respiratory symptoms and medical investigation Unravelling the Mystery of Night Sweats: Causes, Tests, and Management Night sweats are episodes of excessive sweating during sleep that soak nightclothes or bedding despite a comfortably cool room. Although they are often related to menopause, medicines, anxiety or environmental heat, persistent episodes can sometimes accompany infection, obstructive […]
A Brief Guide to a Low Histamine Diet
If you have been diagnosed with histamine intolerance, or have been advised to follow a low histamine diet, this guide will help you understand what it involves. Histamine is a chemical your body produces as part of your immune and digestive systems. Some people have trouble breaking down this compound, leading to an excess in […]
Experience Top-tier Care with a Home Visit Respiratory Doctor
Introduction: The Changing Landscape of Respiratory Care Healthcare is evolving, and so should your expectations. Have you heard of a home visit from a respiratory doctor? This new approach to personalised care brings top-tier medical services to your doorstep. Let’s explore this further. Unpacking the Home Visit from a Respiratory Doctor A home visit respiratory […]
The Vaporous Reality of Vaping and Lung Disease
Vaping, often presented as a harmless, modern alternative to traditional cigarettes, is increasingly under the spotlight as emerging research reveals a darker side. This guide aims to demystify the reality of vaping, focusing particularly on the potential link between vaping and lung disease. Drawing from the insightful letters written by Dr Ricardo Jose to The […]
Respiratory Treatment in London: Breaking Down 8 Common Myths
Navigating the realm of respiratory treatment in London can be daunting, particularly when numerous myths often cloud the facts. Let’s debunk these common misconceptions, particularly in the context of London—a city with access to some of the country’s finest respiratory specialists and healthcare facilities like the renowned Royal Brompton Hospital, which specialises in heart and […]
What is mould? Its Risks, Remediation, and More
When it comes to home hazards, there’s one sinister and often overlooked culprit: mould. This stealthy invader could be hiding in homes, compromising health without the individuals knowledge. What is Mould? Mould is a type of fungi. It’s ubiquitous in our environment, thriving both indoors and outdoors. Mould propagates by producing microscopic spores that float […]
Respiratory Infections in Sarcoidosis: Understanding the Link and Treatment
Respiratory infections can have a significant impact on individuals with sarcoidosis. This is due to structural lung disease and the immunosuppressive medication used to treat the lung inflammation. The connection between sarcoidosis and respiratory infections is explored here, including the symptoms and valuable information on managing and preventing these infections. By understanding this link and […]
Understanding Different Types of Coughs: Wet vs. Dry
When it comes to understanding different types of coughs, knowing the difference between wet and dry coughs is important. The two main types of coughs – wet and dry – are discussed here including their causes, symptoms, and treatments. Recognising these differences is crucial for proper treatment and to ensure you’re on the road to […]
What Does a Chest Chest Doctor Do? When to See a Respiratory Specialist or Physician.
Respiratory specialist guide What Does a Chest Doctor Do? When to See a Respiratory Specialist or Physician A chest doctor diagnoses and manages conditions affecting the lungs, airways, breathing and pleura. Learn what respiratory physicians do, which tests they arrange and when specialist assessment may help. Respiratory symptoms Lung-function tests Chest imaging Bronchoscopy Long-term lung […]
