In today’s episode I show you how doctors can easily diagnose lung conditions such as Asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Cystic Fibrosis and lung scarring through the use of spirometry.
To prepare for your test, you will have your height and weight measured along with your age. It is important that prior to your test you do not take any inhalers but bring these with you as we often repeat the test with medication to assess their efficacy.
The test involves putting a tight seal around the mouthpiece and blowing as hard as you can until the beeper sounds. This then formulates a series of numbers and often a graph is shown to compare you against someone of a similar age, height and weight. Your doctor can then analyse these results and let you know your diagnosis.
As our firefighters continue the heroic job of containing bushfires, many people may be affected by smoke.
Signs of smoke irritation include itchy eyes, sore throat, runny nose and coughing. Those with pre-existing medical conditions such as asthma may have worsened symptoms of wheezing, chest tightness and difficulty breathing. If this is you it is very important to continue your prescribed medication and seek medical help.
To reduce your exposure, stay indoors and close the windows and doors. If you are using an air conditioner switch it to recycle or recirculate to reduce the smoke indoors.
If you or anyone around you is concerned by their symptoms please pop by and see me in clinic
I personally love starting my day with 10 deep breaths by the sea so I’m ready for the day ahead.
Breathing is something that we do subconsciously thousands of times a day. But how many times have you taken a moment to stop and concentrate on your breaths?
Deep breathing helps to utilise all of your lung capacity and so delivering more oxygen to your body helping you feel revitalised. It also helps to re-align your focus and give you clarity, particularly if you are feeling stressed or anxious.
Asthma affects around 2.5 million Australians - that’s 1 in every 9, and a common reason for poor control is inhaler technique.
As part of asthma week I want to make sure that all asthmatics have an up to date action plan in place. This ensures that you and others around you know what to do if your asthma worsens. So I’ll be giving you the opportunity to pop by and check your inhaler technique to make sure your getting the most out of your medication.
If you haven’t been diagnosed with asthma but have symptoms, such as breathlessness, wheezing, cough or a feeling of tightness in the chest worse in cold weather then come and see me for an examination. With the correct inhalers, asthma is easily controlled. Left alone asthma can be life threatening so it’s important that if you do have asthma you have regular check ups.
Parts of the Gold Coast are covered in thick smoke due to a controlled hazard reduction burn. This is expected to last until Monday 23rd July.
It’s really important that if you suffer from any breathing problems to keep your windows and doors closed. If you have medication such as inhalers keep them close at hand and if you’re having difficulties breathing please seek medical advice or pop by and see me in clinic.
