Respiratory & Sleep Medicine

What is respiratory and sleep medicine?

Respiratory and sleep medicine focuses on conditions that affect the lungs, airways and breathing, both during the day and while asleep. It includes the assessment and treatment of problems such as asthma, chronic cough, breathlessness, lung nodules, sleep apnoea and complex respiratory failure.

Our specialists use detailed assessments, lung function testing, sleep studies and advanced imaging to identify the cause of symptoms and guide effective treatment.

When you might need to see a respiratory or sleep specialist

You may benefit from seeing a respiratory or sleep specialist if you have symptoms such as a persistent cough, wheezing, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, chest discomfort, noisy breathing, poor sleep or daytime tiredness.

You may also need an appointment if you:

• Have asthma or airways disease that is hard to control
• Have symptoms of obstructive sleep apnoea, such as loud snoring or stopping breathing during sleep
• Have lung nodules or abnormal findings on a chest scan
• Feel breathless without a clear reason
• Have conditions such as sarcoidosis or interstitial lung disease
• Have frequent chest infections
• Need a respiratory check before major surgery
• Require ongoing care for respiratory failure or support with ventilation