RFT Pamphlet
Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing (CPET) CPET involves measurements of the cardiac, metabolic, and respiratory systems while the patient exercises to maximum capacity. CPET may be a useful tool for the following: Assessing the risk to patients having surgery (perioperative assessment) Determining causes for unexplained dyspnoea Assessing the contribution of cardiac or respiratory causes to incapacity Quantifying […]
Respiratory Function Testing
Introduction Although respiratory function tests are an integral part of the diagnosis and management of respiratory diseases, they are not diagnostic for any given disease. Respiratory function tests may be able to identify and quantify respiratory system functional abnormalities years before other investigations become abnormal or patients become worried about their symptoms (Figure 1). […]
Is Lung Cancer Screening Right for Me? A Comprehensive Guide
Is Lung Cancer Screening Right for Me? A Comprehensive Guide If you’ve smoked for many years, you may be wondering if lung cancer screening is right for you. This guide will help you understand the benefits, risks, and eligibility criteria for low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) lung cancer screening. Use this information to have an informed […]
Pleural Diseases: Causes, Investigations, and Management
Pleural diseases and investigations (RACP lecture) Introduction The pleural space contains 10-25 millilitres of fluid Created in the pleural capillaries and lymphatics, largely reabsorbed via the lymphatics of the parietal pleura > 3000 /million population develop pleural effusion each year There are 60 different causes of pleural effusions Left ventricular failure is the most common […]
Combination Therapy in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH): Insights for Australian Health Professionals
Overview of Combination Therapy in PAH Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) is a progressive, life-threatening disease that leads to right heart failure and reduced survival. Despite advancements in monotherapy, combination therapy has become the preferred approach in Australia, as supported by the Pulmonary Hypertension Society of Australia and New Zealand (PHSANZ) guidelines. The AMBITION trial (Post-hoc […]
Shift Work Sleep Disorder (SWSD): Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
What Is Shift Work Sleep Disorder? Shift Work Sleep Disorder (SWSD) is a condition that affects individuals working non-traditional hours, such as night shifts, rotating shifts, or early morning shifts. It disrupts the body’s circadian rhythm, leading to insomnia, excessive sleepiness, and long-term health issues. 🔹 Did you know? Around 10% of shift workers experience […]
Circadian Rhythm Disorders: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
What Are Circadian Rhythm Disorders? Circadian rhythms are the body’s natural internal clock that regulates sleep-wake cycles over a 24-hour period. When these rhythms are disrupted, it can lead to circadian rhythm sleep disorders (CRSDs), affecting sleep quality and overall health. There are five primary types of circadian rhythm disorders: Delayed Sleep Phase Disorder (DSPD) […]
Insomnia
Insomnia Definition Insomnia is the most common sleep disorder, affecting up to 40-50% of the population at any given time. It is a distressing difficulty with sleep onset, sleep maintenance, or waking up too early, where these “sleep times” take longer than 30 minutes. These symptoms need to occur at least three times or more per […]
Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA)- A multi system disease
Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA)- A multi system disease Intermittent hypoxemia causes abnormal metabolic response OSA primarily affects the respiratory system during sleep by compromising upper airway and limiting air and oxygen flow into the lungs. Apnoea is defined as cessation of airflow for ≥ 10 seconds and hypopnoea is defined by a drop of ≥30% […]
Obstructive Sleep Apnoea
Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Definition Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a disorder in which breathing is repetitively interrupted during sleep due to collapse of the upper airway. An apnoea is defined as complete cessation of breathing lasting 10 seconds or greater. OSA causes hypertension and neurocognitive impairment whilst severe OSA predisposes to coronary artery disease, stroke […]