Respiratory Medicine at the Cardiff Bay Clinic

Respiratory medicine is the branch of medicine that treats people with diseases affecting their lungs and breathing.

The Respiratory Medicine Clinic (at the Cardiff Bay Clinic and The Vale Hospital) is led by Dr Stuart Packham, and offers investigation and treatment for a wide range of respiratory disorders including:

Asthma and Allergy: Asthma symptoms include coughing, wheezing, a tight feeling in the chest and trouble breathing.
Bronchiectasis: Symptoms include a chronic cough with sputum, recurrent chest infections and shortness of breath.
Breathlessness: Breathlessness is one of the most common symptoms of respiratory disease and is seen in a number of conditions.
Chronic Cough: A cough lasting more than eight weeks is described as chronic. It is a surprisingly common condition and requires investigation to find and treat the underlying cause.
COPD (Chronic Bronchitis and emphysema): Symptoms include breathlessness and shortness of breath particularly when exercising. It is usually associated with smoking.
Lung Cancer: Symptoms include breathlessness, chest pain, hoarse voice, coughing up of blood, loss of apetite and weight. It is usually associated with smoking.
Lung Fibrosis and Sarcoidosis: Symptoms include a persistent dry cough and breathlessness on exertion.

Visiting the Respiratory Clinic

When you come to the Respiratory Clinic at the Cardiff Bay Clinic / The Vale Hospital you will be seen by a Consultant Specialist in Respiratory Medicine who will ask questions about your illness and examine you to determine or confirm the diagnosis.

This process may also require a number of tests (e.g. blood tests, x-rays, scans etc) which you will be fully informed of. Often this can all be done during one clinic visit, but some conditions may require follow-up appointments.

Once a diagnosis has been made, the Consultant will discuss treatment with you, and may (if necessary) arrange for you to attend a follow-up clinic.