Lung diseases
At The Coker Chest Clinic we provide private testing, diagnosis and treatment for all types of lung disease and have access to state-of-the-art screening technology.
Lung disease is one of the leading causes of death in the UK. Around 115,000 people die from it each year in the UK – that’s the equivalent to one person every five minutes – giving the UK one of the highest mortality rates from lung disease in Europe. Every day 1500 people are newly diagnosed with lung disease.
There are several different types of lung disease; the term cover numerous different diseases that can happen in any part of the lung to stop them from functioning properly. Due to the variety of different diseases, it is important to consult a specialist in order to get treatment before the disease progresses.
Although it depends on the disease, causes can include bacterial, viral and fungal infections; taking certain medications; lifestyle factors such as smoking; environmental factors such as inhalation of chemicals or pollution; genetics; or as a complication of another disease such as congenital heart disease.
Types of lung disease
Lung diseases can affect any area of the lungs, including:
Airways
Diseases in the airways of the lungs can often cause narrowing or blockages in the passages that carry air in and out. This can make breathing feel laboured and uncomfortable, and cause coughing and wheezing. Diseases of the airway include asthma, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchitis, and cystic fibrosis.
Lung tissue
Lung tissue can be affected by diseases that cause scarring or inflammation, making breathing laboured and sometimes painful. The patient may feel like they have a tight chest, and it can feel especially difficult to fully expand the lungs with air. Common lung tissue diseases include pulmonary fibrosis and sarcoidosis.
Alveoli
The microscopic air sacs in the lungs that facilitate gas exchange can become diseased, causing difficulty breathing, and coughing that may turn up blood. Common alveolar diseases include pneumonia, tuberculosis and emphysema or heart failure.
Blood vessels
If the blood vessels in the lungs are diseased, this can affect the circulation of oxygen and carbon dioxide throughout the body. This can often make the patient feel short of breath, especially when exercising. Lung circulatory diseases include pulmonary hypertension and pulmonary embolism.
Lung disease symptoms
There are a vast range of diseases associated with the lungs, and symptoms can vary greatly. However, common early signs of lung disease can include the symptoms below. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, we recommend booking an appointment.
- Difficulty breathing
- A persistent cough
- Chest tightness
- Chest pains
- Coughing up blood
- Frequent respiratory infections
Conditions related to lung disease
- Asthma
- Chronic obstructive Pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Emphysema
- Chronic bronchitis
- Sarcoidosis
- Pleural effusions
- Tuberculosis (TB)
- Lung fibrosis
- Aspergillosis
- Pneumonia
- Interstitial lung disease (ILD)
- Pulmonary embolism
- Pulmonary hypertension
- Lung cancer
- Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
Investigations & tests for lung diseases
At The Coker Chest Clinic, we offer lung function testing both in-house and as a mobile service performed at your home or workplace (wherever is most convenient for you). With access to a full radiological investigation portfolio and endoscopies including bronchoscopy and EBUS, we can provide a full examination of your lungs in order to determine whether a lung disease is present, and what treatment you may need.
Diagnosis can usually be obtained within two days. Our service audit shows that 99% of our patients are diagnosed and treated effectively within a week of presentation.
Treatment for lung diseases
Lung diseases can vary in complexity. While patients suffering from very common conditions such as asthma can be given a simple treatment plan of inhalers and tablets to ease symptoms, more advanced or severe cases may require medication, oxygen therapy, pulmonary rehabilitation or in rare cases, a lung transplant.
Book your consultation
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms and would like to arrange a telephone, video or face-to-face consultation with our specialist consultant in respiratory medicine, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.