Pulmonology & Sleep Medicine

Asthma is an inflammatory airway condition causing variable wheeze, cough and breathlessness. Symptoms often fluctuate with allergens, activity or infections.

COPD causes persistent airflow limitation, often linked to smoking or long-term fume exposure. Chronic cough, sputum and exertional breathlessness are typical.

Pneumonia is a lung infection that can impair oxygen exchange. Severity varies with the organism, age and other health conditions.

Interstitial lung disease affects tissue around the lung air sacs. Inflammation or scarring may cause a dry cough and progressive breathlessness.

Pulmonary fibrosis is scarring that stiffens the lungs and reduces oxygen transfer. Causes and progression differ between patients.

Bronchiectasis is permanent airway widening that encourages mucus build-up and repeated infections. A persistent productive cough is common.

Tuberculosis commonly affects the lungs. After successful treatment, some people retain scarring or airway damage causing continuing cough or breathlessness.

Pulmonary hypertension is raised pressure in lung arteries. Lung disease, heart disease and chronic blood clots are among its possible causes.

Pleural diseases affect the layers around the lungs and may involve fluid, inflammation or trapped air. Chest pain and breathlessness can result.

A lung nodule is a small spot on imaging, often benign. Size, appearance, smoking history and change over time determine whether further testing is needed.

Persistent cough or breathlessness can arise from airway disease, infection, heart problems or other causes. Duration, triggers and associated symptoms help narrow the possibilities.

Obstructive sleep apnoea causes repeated airway blockage during sleep. Snoring, witnessed breathing pauses and daytime sleepiness are common signs.

Snoring comes from vibration of upper-airway tissues. It does not always indicate sleep apnoea, but breathing pauses or marked sleepiness warrants assessment.

Other sleep disorders include insomnia, restless legs and disturbances of sleep timing or behaviour. The sleep pattern and daytime effects help identify the problem.