If you are referred for a respiratory condition you may be asked to have respiratory function testing done before your appointment.
A 'Spirometry' test measures how much air you can breathe in & out of your lungs, and how easily & fast you can the blow the air out of your lungs.
A 'Complex Lung Function' test includes spirometry, but also measures the size of the lungs' "total lung capacity" and the gas exchange of your lungs.
Asthma is a chronic condition in which there are episodes when the small airways in the lung narrow and reduce airflow. The symptoms vary day to day and attacks can be severe. The usual treatment is with inhaler therapy. For severe or difficult to control asthma there are injectable therapies that treat the underlying immune response.
COPD is a chronic lung condition where there is damage to the small airways which causes reduced airflow, which is not reversible. It is often associated with cigarette smoking or long term untreated asthma. Treatment is usually with inhaler therapy.
Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a large group of diseases that cause scarring (fibrosis) of the lungs. The scarring causes stiffness in the lungs which makes it difficult to breathe and get oxygen to the bloodstream. They have specific treatments depending on the subtype.
Common examples include:
These are often related to dust exposure for example coal or silica. There is routine screening in high risk workplaces e.g. mines and you may be referred for further assessment if your screening tests are abnormal. Workplace medicals are generally not eligible for a medicare rebate.
Bronchiectasis is a lung condition in which the airways are wider than normal. This leads to an increase in mucus, which can be hard to cough up. When mucus stays in the lungs, it makes people with bronchiectasis more likely to get lung infections or bronchitis.
Sleep apnea is a condition that makes you stop breathing for short periods while you are asleep. In obstructive sleep apnea, you stop breathing because your throat narrows or closes. The condition is diagnosed with a sleep study. The treatments depend on severity. They can be CPAP therapy, a dental device, or surgery.
All Bronchoscopy procedures through Rebecca Byrnes Medical are performed at the Mater Private Hospital in Bundaberg, a leader in the area of health, education & research.
A bronchoscope is a thin flexible tube (fitted with a tiny camera) that is inserted into the windpipe under anaesthesia to allow direct visualisation of the airways. Samples and biopsies may be taken to plan treatment decisions. The choice of procedure, risks and alternatives will be discussed with your treating doctor prior to the bronchoscopy.
It is important to fast prior to your procedure, at least 6 hours. You may also need to withhold medications such as diabetic medications and blood thinners. This will be discussed with you before the procedure.
The procedure is done under sedation or anaesthesia with the assistance of an anaesthetist.
Usually, you will be able to go home from your procedure the same day. It is important that a responsible adult can drive you home and stay with you that night. This is because of the sedating medication you are given for the procedure.
A standard bronchoscopy is performed to investigate a range of problems including haemoptysis (coughing up blood), chronic cough and to obtain samples to allow targeted treatment of infection.
After anaesthesia, a standard bronchoscopy generally takes 10-15 minutes to perform.
EBUS is a special form of bronchoscopy that uses ultrasound to identify the area needed to biopsy.
EBUS Transbronchial Needle Aspiration (TBNA) is used to identify the lymph glands adjacent to the large airways, which can be sampled using a small needle. This test is usually performed to investigate enlarged lymph nodes which are usually due to inflammation, sarcoidosis or cancer.
EBUS Guide Sheath (GS) is used to identify and biopsy small nodules in the periphery of the lung. During the procedure, a radiographer will use x-rays to ensure the correct placement of the instruments.
After anaesthesia, an EBUS bronchoscopy can take between 20-40 minutes to perform.
A pleural tap or thoracentesis is a procedure that is performed to remove fluid that has built up between the lung and the chest wall. It can then be sent for testing to determine the cause.
A pleural tap takes about 20 minutes and is done under local anaesthetic using ultrasound.
Sometimes the volume of fluid or air is such that an intercostal tube is required. This is a small tube placed into the pleural space to allow all the fluid or air to drain. Once placed, the tube may be left for several days.
An intercostal catheter is placed under local anaesthetic using ultrasound. The procedure takes around 20 minutes.
Start by visiting your GP for an assessment. They will provide a referral for Dr. Byrnes. Once we have reviewed the referral, we'll reach out to offer you an appointment within 3 working days. If you haven't heard from us by then, please call 07 4155 5053 to confirm receipt of your referral.
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