CRDs affect the airways and other structures of the lungs. Some of the most common conditions are Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), asthma and occupational lung diseases. 

In addition to tobacco smoke, respiratory diseases can be caused by infections, smoking, exposure to pollutants, genetic factors and occupational hazards.

According to NHS England, one in five of us is affected by respiratory disease. It’s one of the primary reasons for hospital admission, with conditions such as lung cancer, pneumonia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease being the biggest causes.

If you suffer with a respiratory condition which, you may notice symptoms including as breathlessness, a persistent cough, wheezing, chest tightness and snoring. You might also feel more tired than usual, develop a fever, chills, or muscle aches and in some situations, you may cough up blood.

Our experienced Consultants in Respiratory and Sleep Medicine can provide diagnosis and initial care for the following respiratory conditions:

Asthma

Asthma is a common lung condition that causes occasional breathing difficulties, tightness in your chest and a cough or wheeziness. It affects an estimated 300 million people worldwide.

Allergies

Respiratory allergies can be caused by pollen, dust, mould, hair, or animal fur amongst other things. Symptoms can include asthma and allergic rhinitis (inflammation and swelling of the inside of the nose).

Bronchiectasis

This is a long-term condition in which your airways are wider and become inflamed with thick phlegm, which can lead to a chest infection.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

With COPD, your lung tissue is damaged, leading to an obstructed airflow. This makes it difficult to take in oxygen and breathe carbon dioxide out of your lungs. COPD can include long-term (chronic) bronchitis and emphysema.

Cystic fibrosis (CF)

CF is an inherited condition which affects the balance of salt and water in some parts of the body. A sticky mucus builds up in the lungs, which can cause infection, Mucus can also build up in the digestive system, affecting how nutrients from food are absorbed.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF)

IPF is a condition which scars your lungs, making them less elastic. This makes breathing more difficult. IPF can’t be reversed, but the symptoms can remain stable for many years.

Lung cancer

Lung cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer and can be caused by any one of a number of different things, including smoking, air pollution, an existing lung condition or as a result of working with chemicals.

Pulmonary hypertension

This condition is caused by high blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries, the blood vessels that carry blood to your lungs. This means that the pressure in the right-hand side of your heart (where the pulmonary arteries are situated) is higher and the right ventricle must work harder to push blood through your lungs.

Sleep disorders

There are a range of sleep-related breathing conditions which can affect your sleep and the balance of oxygen or carbon dioxide in the blood. Some of the most common are snoring, sleep apnoea, sleep-related hypoventilation and Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS).

Sleep apnoea

Sleep apnoea is a medical disorder which results from involuntary cessation of breathing for a short time during sleep. It results in non-refreshing sleep and increased daytime sleepiness. Currently, it is estimated that one in three adults have snoring or sleep disordered breathing. It can result in cardio-metabolic complications if untreated.

Tuberculosis (TB)

TB is a bacterial infection that normally affects the lungs, but can also affect your brain, bones, lymph nodes, kidneys, spine, and stomach. TB is thankfully rare in the UK, and it can easily be prevented or managed.

Which respiratory diseases can be diagnosed at Benenden Hospital?

Our experts have access to a range of additional respiratory tests, including

• Lung function tests
• Spirometry tests
• Sleep studies
• Exhaled nitric oxide testing (also known as FeNO)
• CT scans
• Blood investigations

Please note that some of these tests will be provided by our expert provider, VIVISOL. You may need to carry out some tests at home, for example the sleep study, but full instructions will be provided.

A report will be sent to your Consultant who’ll discuss the results and recommend a follow-up, treatment or referral to a service specialising in your condition.

Your Consultant will discuss the best treatment for you – this could include a prescription for an inhaler, antibiotic or steroid - or onward referral to a specialist service.

To find out more about costs for respiratory tests, please visit the Respiratory medicine section of our pricing page.