What do we investigate and treat?

Private physicians within our respiratory medicine specialty see patients with chronic respiratory conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and follow up patients with sarcoidosis, as well as other respiratory conditions. We also investigate the development of the following symptoms to determine their cause:

• Breathlessness
• Chest pain
• Cough
• Weight loss
• Wheezing
• Systemic upset (such as night sweats, fever, rigors or weight loss).

Respiratory medicine: diagnostic tests available

We start by taking a detailed history and by performing a full clinical examination. Further investigations such as some blood tests, urinalysis, and imaging may then be necessary. Imaging may involve chest X-rays and cross-sectional imaging such as a CT scan, which can usually be done the same day. Depending on the results of these images, more detailed imaging such as a PET CT scan may be required. This would usually mean a follow-up appointment.

Professor Sam Janes, Consultant in Respiratory Medicine at The Physicians’ Clinic offers CT screening and the Early CDT-Lung test developed by Oncoimmune Ltd. Find out more about the CDT-Lung test.

Our diagnostic tests also include:

• Pulmonary function testing (spirometry)
• Fibreoptic bronchoscopy
• Endobronchial ultrasound.
• Respiratory medicine: treatments available

Most patients with respiratory conditions that come to The Physicians’ Clinic are treated as outpatients, although some cases may need to be admitted to hospital for treatment, for example with intravenous antibiotics and pulses of intravenous steroids.