Respiratory Infections

Pneumonia

Pneumonia, a common yet serious respiratory infection, is characterised by inflammation of the lungs caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Symptoms often include cough, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing, which can vary in severity depending on the individual and the causative agent. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial, as untreated pneumonia can lead to complications such as overwhelming infection (sepsis), respiratory failure, pleural infections and pulmonary abscess formation. Follow-up after pneumonia is also important to ensure complete resolution of lung infection and inflammation.

Pleural infections

Pleural infections involve inflammation of the thin membranes that surround the lungs and line the chest cavity. Typically caused by bacterial or viral infections spreading from the lungs or other nearby structures, pleural infections can lead to symptoms such as sharp chest pain worsened by breathing in, fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. For correct diagnosis and management, specialized imaging and sampling of the fluid via needle or chest tube (thoracentesis) may be required. 

Pulmonary abscesses

Pulmonary abscesses are serious infections characterised by localised pockets of pus within the lung tissue, often caused by bacterial infection. Common symptoms include persistent cough, chest pain, fever, and coughing up blood-tinged sputum. These abscesses can result from aspiration of oral or gastric contents, pneumonia, or conditions weakening the immune system. Investigations such as bronchoscopy may be required. Treatment is with prolonged courses of antibiotics to ensure complete resolution.

Non-tuberculous mycobacteria

Non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are a group of bacteria related to tuberculosis. They  are found widely in the environment, particularly in water and soil and are not usually transmitted from person-to-person like tuberculosis. NTM can cause chronic pulmonary infections, particularly in individuals with underlying lung conditions such as bronchiectasis or weakened immune systems. Symptoms vary but often include chronic cough, fatigue, weight loss, and occasionally fever. Treatment of NTM is challenging, requiring prolonged courses of combination antibiotics and monitoring with an NTM specialist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conditions we treat

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Symptoms

Cough

Wheeze

Breathlessness

Sleepiness

Snoring

Insomnia/Difficulty sleeping

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Airways Diseases

Asthma

COPD, emphysema, chronic bronchitis

Bronchiectasis

Smoking-related lung disease

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Respiratory Infections

Pneumonia

Post infections syndromes

Pleural infections and effusions

Pulmonary abscesses

Non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) infections

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Interstitial Lung Diseases

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Connective tissue disease-related ILD

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis

Silicosis

Asbestosis

Cystic lung disease

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Investigation of Radiological abnormalities

Suspected lung cancer/mesothelioma

Lung nodules and masses

Interstitial lung abnormalities

Lymphadenopathy

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Pulmonary Vascular Conditions

Pulmonary embolus

Pulmonary hypertension

Pulmonary AVM

Pulmonary vasculitis

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Sleep Disorders

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)

Insomnia

Restless Legs Syndrome and Parasomnias