Respiratory
The respiratory unit at the Wellington hospital is newly formed. Consultants in respiratory medicine are available on a daily basis to see patients with a variety of respiratory problems. We see these patients either in the outpatient suite in St John's Wood or Golders Green, or in the hospital. Our patients typically have the following conditions:
- Asthma
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Bronchiectasis
- Sleep-related problems
- Tuberculosis
- Pneumonia
- Lung cancer
- Interstitial lung disease
- Occupational lung diseases
- Pleural disease
- Pulmonary vascular disorders
Our patients may also be suffering from respiratory conditions which result from an underlying medical condition. We liaise closely with colleagues from other medical, surgical and diagnostic disciplines, such as cardiology, thoracic surgery, rheumatology, radiology, infectious diseases, neurology, oncology, ENT surgery, and intensive care.
Some common symptoms related to the respiratory tract include breathlessness, cough (either dry or productive), wheeze, chest discomfort or pain, snoring and daytime sleepiness. There may also be an allergic or seasonal variation in symptoms.
Mr Damian Muncaster, senior respiratory physiologist manages our new lung function laboratory. The lab is situated in the Wellington North building, and offers a comprehensive selection of physiological tests to aid in the diagnosis and management of the respiratory conditions mentioned above We also provide tests to help determine whether someone is fit for surgery, or fit to fly.
