RESPIRATORY & SLEEP CONDITIONS
Comprehensive Care and Treatment
At Dr Scott Claxton’s practice, we recognise the complexities of respiratory and sleep conditions and their impact on overall health. From routine respiratory and sleep concerns to more complex challenges, Dr Claxton provides comprehensive care and advanced treatment options tailored to each patient’s needs. Explore the conditions we manage and learn how Dr Claxton’s dedicated approach can help improve your quality of life.
ASTHMA
Asthma is a very common lung disease that is characterised by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, which makes breathing difficult. It can show up at any age and is triggered by various factors such as allergies, infections, dust, pollution and smoke.
Symptoms include shortness of breath, tightness in the chest, wheeze and cough. For many people, inhaled corticosteroids and bronchodilators help control symptoms and prevent flare-ups. In more severe cases, newer therapies such as biologic medications have been developed to target specific inflammatory pathways, offering more personalised treatment options.
Regular monitoring is crucial because it helps track the effectiveness of treatment and make adjustments as needed. Keeping an asthma diary, avoiding known triggers, and following your healthcare provider’s recommendations can significantly improve asthma control and quality of life.
CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE (COPD)
COPD is a disease of the airways within the lung that is due to inflammation and scarring. This leads to narrowing and obstruction of airflow, which causes symptoms like breathlessness, wheeze and cough. COPD includes conditions such as emphysema, which involves damage to the air sacs in the lungs, and chronic bronchitis, characterised by persistent inflammation and mucus production in the airways. It is often the result of cigarette smoking, but air pollution, occupational exposure to dust and chemicals, and genetic factors like alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency are other causes.
While COPD is a progressive disease with no cure, good management can control symptoms, improve quality of life and slow the progression. Ceasing smoking, medications such as inhaled bronchodilators, exercise training and supplemental oxygen can improve breathing and overall health. Respiratory infections can exacerbate COPD symptoms, so vaccinations against influenza and pneumococcal pneumonia are crucial. Regular check-ups are essential to monitor the condition and adjust treatment as needed. Good management can help individuals with COPD to achieve a good quality of life and reduce the impact of the disease on their daily activities.
FIBROTIC LUNG DISEASE
Fibrotic lung disease, or pulmonary fibrosis, involves the progressive scarring of lung tissue, which can lead to a gradual loss of lung function. This scarring thickens and stiffens the lung tissue, making it harder for oxygen to pass into the bloodstream. It has many causes, such as: non-lung diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, connective tissue disease), exposure to environmental toxins (asbestosis, silicosis), radiotherapy and some chemotherapy agents. Sometimes, no apparent cause can be found (idiopathic). Symptoms can be breathlessness and a dry cough.
It is diagnosed by CT scan and pulmonary function tests. Sometimes a biopsy of the lung tissue is needed for confirmation. The course of fibrotic lung disease can vary widely. Some patients experience a slow progression with manageable symptoms, while others may progress more rapidly. Early diagnosis and appropriate management can significantly impact quality of life and slow disease progression.
LUNG NODULE
Lung nodules are commonly seen as a small, round spot on a chest X-Ray or CT scan that has been carried out for other reasons. While the discovery of a lung nodule can be concerning, most are benign and require only routine monitoring. However, a thorough evaluation is essential to rule out malignancy and ensure appropriate management.
SLEEP APNOEA
Sleep apnea and related sleep-disordered breathing conditions can significantly impact overall health and quality of life.
Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) OSA is caused by repeated episodes of airway obstruction during sleep, typically due to the collapse of soft tissue in the throat. This results in pauses in breathing, which can lead to frequent awakenings and poor sleep quality. Symptoms include loud snoring, choking or gasping during sleep, excessive daytime sleepiness, difficulty concentrating, and irritability.
Many things can lead to, aggravate or worsen OSA, including increased body weight, sleeping on the back, nasal obstruction, alcohol and specific features of the patient’s upper airway (e.g. big tonsils). More severe OSA can be associated with cardiovascular disease. The daytime sleepiness caused by the OSA can impact a patient’s ability to work and their driving safety.
Central Sleep Apnoea (CSA) CSA occurs when the brain fails to send the appropriate signals to the muscles that control breathing. This leads to periods of shallow breathing or breathing cessation. CSA can be linked with certain medical conditions such as heart failure or neurological disorders. Similar to OSA, including disrupted sleep and daytime sleepiness, but typically without the prominent snoring associated with OSA. CSA and OSA can occur together.
Sleep Hypoventilation is characterised by inadequate ventilation leading to insufficient oxygen intake and carbon dioxide expulsion. This can result from severe lung disease, weakness of respiratory muscles, or severe obesity. Symptoms are similar to those of OSA, with additional signs related to the underlying lung disease or obesity.
Sleep-disordered breathing is investigated with a sleep study. This study monitors various parameters during sleep, including brain activity, eye movements, heart rate, breathing patterns, and oxygen levels.
Patient symptoms, preferences and other medical conditions (such as cardiovascular disease) are all considered when deciding treatment. Treatments include: CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure), which involves wearing a mask connected to a machine that provides a continuous flow of air to keep the airway open during sleep. Other treatment options are oral splints that help keep the airway open, positional therapy to prevent airway collapse, and weight management.
Patient education and understanding of their condition and treatment is essential. We work closely with our patients to ensure the diagnosis is accurate and that treatments are tailored to the individual.
RESTLESS LEGS SYNDROME (RLS)
RLS is characterised by an irresistible urge to move the legs, often accompanied by uncomfortable sensations. RLS typically worsens during periods of inactivity, particularly in the evening or at night, which can significantly disrupt sleep.
It is often a primary problem and there is no underlying cause. RLS can sometimes be related to conditions such as iron deficiency, pregnancy, kidney disease and some medications. Effective treatments include reducing caffeine, alcohol and nicotine intake. Regular physical activity and good sleep hygiene are also beneficial. There are a number of medications that help control leg movements and improve sleep quality, like dopaminergic agents, magnesium and codeine.
WHICH SLEEP STUDY?
There are several types of sleep studies, ranging from simple home studies that use a pulse oximeter to measure oxygen levels in the blood and a cannula to assess nasal airflow, to full polysomnograms (PSGs) in a hospital sleep laboratory. These monitor multiple physiological parameters, including brain activity (EEG, eye movements (EOG), muscle activity (EMG), heart rate (ECG), oxygen levels, airflow, and respiratory effort.
Overall, both home and in-lab sleep studies have their specific applications and advantages. The choice of study often depends on the patient’s symptoms, clinical history, and the specific sleep disorders being investigated. Consulting a sleep physician ensures that the diagnosis is accurate and that the patient receives comprehensive care.
Take Control of Your Respiratory and Sleep Health Today
With years of experience in treating a wide range of respiratory and sleep disorders, Dr Claxton is here to help you breathe easier and sleep better.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment and start your journey towards better health.