Our screenings
Lung Function
Lung disease is one of the most common medical conditions in the world. The term refers to any condition that prevents the lungs from working properly.
Approximately 10,000 people in the UK are newly diagnosed with lung disease every week and every 5 minutes, someone in the UK dies from lung disease. Lung diseases are also responsible for over 700,000 hospital admissions and over 6 million inpatient bed-days in the UK each year.
There are three main types of lung disease:
- Airway Diseases - Airway diseases affect the tubes that carry oxygen and other gases into and out of the lungs, usually leading to the narrowing or blockage of the airways. Airway diseases include asthma, COPD, and bronchiectasis.
- Lung Tissue Diseases - Lung tissue diseases affect the structure of the lung tissue. Any scarring or inflammation of the tissue can prevent the lungs from expanding properly, making it difficult for the lungs to take in oxygen and release carbon dioxide. Lung tissue diseases include Pulmonary Fibrosis and Sarcoidosis.
- Lung Circulation Diseases
The most common lung diseases include:
- Asthma
- Lung Collapse
- Bronchitis
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
- Lung Cancer
- Pneumonia
- Abnormal build up of fluid in the lungs
- Blocked lung artery
Caused by clotting, scarring, or inflammation of blood vessels, lung circulation diseases affect the blood vessels in the lungs, affecting the lungs' ability to take in oxygen and release carbon dioxide.
Causes of Lung Disease
Lung disease can be caused by a number of factors, including:
- Smoking - this is one of the leading causes of lung disease.
- Asbestos - Asbestos can give off small fibres that are too small to be seen and, if inhaled, can harm the lung cells, leading to lung scarring and lung cancer.
- Air Pollution - Studies suggest that air pollutant, such as car exhausts, can contribute to asthma, COPD, lung cancer, and other lung diseases.
- Exposure to harmful fumes or dust
- Exposure to harmful bacteria, viruses, and allergens - With each breath you take, your lungs are exposed to airborne bacteria, viruses, and allergens, which can potentially cause lung disorders. Although minor irritants might only affect your breathing temporarily, some irritants or diseases can lead to severe lung damage.
- Rare genetic problems that make the lungs more vulnerable to damage
Screening for Liver Function
Pulmonary Function Screening
This can be used to detect a respiratory problem at an early stage. The test evaluates and measures how much air moves in and out of the lungs, and how easily it moves. The results can be used to identify any potential problems with the lungs and diagnose lung disease such as asthma, emphysema, or pulmonary fibrosis.
If you require any further information about screening for lung function, or to arrange a consultation, please get in touch. Our skilled and experienced team are always on hand to provide assistance.
