We want to make sure that your lungs are as healthy as possible.
You might already know (or suspect) your diagnosis. Dr McAlpine is happy to assess the majority of lung conditions, put them into context, and guide the management. He works closely with other specialists where appropriate. The list includes (but is not limited to) the following conditions:
Asthma is a common lung condition but it is not always easy to make the diagnosis. Specialist assessment with diagnosis and a breathing test can help you find appropriate treatment.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is due to narrowing of the airways. This causes breathlessness and there can also be cough with sputum. It is diagnosed from a breathing test and not from chest x-ray. It is treatable.
Emphysema is a lung condition where the walls of the air sacs are damaged. It can cause breathlessness. It is commonly associated with COPD but can occur separately.
Bronchiectasis is one of the causes of recurrent lung infection. It is diagnosed on CT scan.
Also known as Breathing Pattern Disorders, these cause breathlessness and other symptoms. They are common but can be hard to recognise. They can occur on their own or complicate other lung conditions.
Cough is commonly caused by minor infection and is short-lived. Persistent cough needs investigation and can be caused by a number of conditions including lung disease and others.
Sarcoidosis (or sarcoid) is an uncommon condition where the immune cells clump together in “granulomas” and result in tissue inflammation. The lung is commonly affected but other tissues and organs can be affected too. The cause is unknown.
There are many forms of “interstitial lung disease” with varying degrees of inflammation and fibrosis. They need specialist assessment to make the diagnosis and plan management.
Many forms of lung disease can be caused by allergy including asthma, pneumonitis and others. Exposures in the workplace can also result in lung disease.
Lung nodules are commonly seen on chest x-rays or CT scans carried out for another reason. Most are innocent but specialist evaluation is important.
Lung cancer is a malignant tumour growth in the lung. It is uncommon before the age of 60 years and is usually associated with cigarette smoking.
The pleura is a fine membrane covering the lung and lining the chest wall. Pneumothorax (air in the space between the lung and the chest wall) and pleural effusion (fluid in the space between the lung and the chest wall) are the commonest pleural problems.
Pulmonary embolism is due to a blood clot (usually travelling from the veins of the leg or pelvis) blocking one or more of the arteries in the lung.
Sleep apnoea, when your breathing stops while you sleep, can cause tiredness and sleepiness during the day.
There are many other conditions that affect the lung and chest – please read on
