Shortness of Breath (Dyspnoea)

Dyspnoea, or breathlessness can be due to problems with your lungs and/or heart. Often there are clues in your previous medical history that suggest a respiratory cause such as breathlessness on exertion, e.g. during exercise, or an associated cough or wheeze.

Early assessment and treatment of breathlessness is vital. There are many simple investigations which can help determine the cause of breathlessness and its severity. Some of these are listed below and all are available at our Mount Medical Centre Respiratory laboratory.

• Spirometry with or without bronchodilator. This is a simple breathing test that can be done at time of consultation
• Comprehensive Pulmonary Function Testing is a more complex lung function testing protocol which includes spirometry using a body plethysmograph
• Measures of exercise capacity such as the 6 Minute Walk Test (6MWT) and Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test
• Bronchial Provocation challenge to determine if asthma is present and / or safety for scuba diving
• Measurement of arterial blood gases to see how well the lungs are exchanging oxygen and removing carbon dioxide

For more information please contact us.