Asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway disease that can cause wheezing, coughing, chest tightness and shortness of breath. Management generally includes clinical assessment, inhaled medications, trigger identification and monitoring of symptom control. Treatment is tailored to the severity of symptoms and the patient's response to prescribed medication.
COPD is a long-term lung condition characterised by persistent airflow limitation and breathing difficulties. Treatment may include inhaled bronchodilators, smoking cessation support, vaccinations, pulmonary rehabilitation and management of exacerbations. Regular respiratory assessment helps evaluate symptoms, lung function and the need for adjustments to the treatment plan.
Interstitial lung disease refers to a group of disorders affecting the tissue surrounding the lung's air sacs. Patients may experience progressive breathlessness and a persistent dry cough. Evaluation can involve lung imaging, pulmonary function testing and additional investigations. Treatment depends on the underlying type, cause and severity of the disease.
Pulmonary tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, primarily affecting the lungs. Symptoms may include prolonged cough, fever, night sweats and weight loss. Diagnosis involves appropriate microbiological investigations and imaging. Treatment requires a prescribed combination of anti-tuberculosis medicines with regular monitoring and adherence to recommended protocols.
Drug-resistant tuberculosis occurs when tuberculosis bacteria are resistant to one or more standard medications. Management requires drug-susceptibility testing, carefully selected treatment regimens and monitoring for adverse effects. Specialist evaluation is important because treatment duration and medication choices depend on resistance patterns and the patient's overall medical condition.
Obstructive airway diseases cause difficulty moving air out of the lungs because of airway narrowing or blockage. Asthma and COPD are common examples. Management focuses on identifying the condition, assessing airflow limitation, controlling symptoms and reducing exacerbations through medication, risk-factor management and appropriate follow-up.
Sleep-related breathing disorders can interrupt normal breathing during sleep and contribute to daytime tiredness, disturbed sleep or other health concerns. Assessment may include a detailed sleep history and specialised testing when indicated. Treatment depends on the diagnosis and may involve positive airway pressure therapy or other appropriate interventions.
Obstructive sleep apnoea occurs when the upper airway repeatedly narrows or closes during sleep, causing breathing interruptions. Symptoms can include loud snoring, witnessed pauses in breathing and daytime sleepiness. Diagnosis commonly involves sleep testing, while treatment may include positive airway pressure therapy, lifestyle measures or selected alternative approaches.
A chronic cough in adults generally refers to a cough lasting longer than eight weeks. Possible causes include asthma, upper airway cough syndrome, reflux-related conditions and other respiratory diseases. Evaluation involves reviewing symptoms, medical history, medication use and appropriate investigations to identify the cause and guide treatment.
Pulmonary function assessment measures different aspects of breathing and lung performance. Tests such as spirometry can help identify airflow obstruction and monitor respiratory conditions including asthma and COPD. Additional lung function measurements may be required for complex disorders. Test selection depends on the clinical question and patient's condition.
Pulmonary fibrosis involves scarring of lung tissue that can reduce the lungs' ability to transfer oxygen efficiently. Patients may develop progressive breathlessness, fatigue and persistent dry cough. Evaluation can involve high-resolution chest imaging, pulmonary function tests and investigations to identify possible causes. Management depends on the specific diagnosis.
Long-term respiratory care focuses on monitoring chronic lung conditions, reducing symptoms and preventing avoidable complications. Management may involve prescribed medication, inhaler technique assessment, vaccination advice, pulmonary rehabilitation and periodic clinical review. Treatment plans are individualised according to the patient's diagnosis, functional limitations and changing healthcare needs.