Respiratory Assessment

The Cardiopulmonary Centre was born out of our respiratory assessment unit. As such, we have many years experience in lung testing, backed up by some of the most respected respiratory physicians and surgeons in the field. In conjunction with the London Thoracic Group, we have built a class-leading reputation for innovative, professional, lung analysis work. We have three major tests within the respiratory assessment discipline, though there is significant overlap with other work that we perform within the unit. The tests which are strictly defined as respiratory assessment are as follows:

These tests, combined with the CT and Radiographic Imaging Departments of London Bridge Hospital, provide detailed analysis of a vast number of respiratory conditions, such as the following: -

  • Asthma and bronchial hyperreactivity.
  • COPD
  • Emphysema
  • Interstitial Lung Disease
  • Pleural Lung Disease
  • Extrathoracic Airway Obstruction

Basic Spirometry

This assessment involves two separate measurement techniques: slow spirometry and dynamic lung volumes. These two tests are pre-requisite in our CPET but even on their own, they are a vital diagnostic toll in respiratory medicine. These tests are performed on the latest Viasys Masterscreen system with simultaneous reporting of results.

Full Lung Function Assessment including Diffusion

Our full lung function test incorporates the basic spirometry test plus the addition of full body plethysmography and diffusion capacity. This test is a complete diagnostic examination for assessing the respiratory element in disorders such as COPD, emphysema, sarcoidosis. We offer this service in conjunction with the London Bridge Hospital Imaging Department, where CT, MRI and X-Ray facilities are available, and our Pathology Department, for blood analysis. This test involves use of our Bodyscreen box.

Bronchial hyperreactivity tests

Bronchial hyperreactivity tests assess the respiratory response to specific irritants. This test is an excellent adjunct to the basic spirometry test as it will assess whether observed bronchiorestriction, such as a reduction in forced expiratory volume (FEV1) can be exacerbated with an external bronchiorestrictor. For this test we use Histamine as our bronchiorestrictive agent. It is a very straightforward test to perform, requiring inhalation of nebulised histamine, it is safe to perform and offers an objective measurement of the degree to which your airway is reactive to external irritants.

Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy

The Cardiopulmonary Centre works in conjunction with the London Bridge Hospital Physiotherapy Department. Physiotherapists can treat a variety of Cardiopulmonary conditions by a range of techniques including education, breathing retraining, exercise, postural training and advice.

A commonly undetected and untreated condition is disproportionate breathing, or hyperventilation syndrome. A high proportion of asthma suffers develop altered breathing patterns as do people suffering from other respiratory and cardiac conditions or stress and anxiety. This leads to shortness of breath and other associated symptoms, including light-headedness and fatigue.

Patients with this or other cardiac and respiratory conditions including bronchiectasis, chronic airway disease and coronary artery disease can be directly referred from the Cardiopulmonary Centre directly to the Physiotherapist. This treatment process involves an initial assessment, subjective/objective measurements and treatment from a highly specialist Physiotherapist.

 

References

AARC Clinical Practice Guideline: Bronchial Provocation. Respir Care 1992;37:902-906. Sterk PJ, Fabbri LM, Quanjer Ph.H, Cockford DW, O'Byrne PM, Anderson SD, Juniper EF, Malo JL. Airway Responsiveness - Standardised challenge testingwith pharmacological, physical and sensitizing stimuli in adults. Eur Respir J 1993;6:16: 53-83.