Respiratory Medicine is a medical speciality that involves the management and treatment of patients with all forms of respiratory disease.

Our team diagnose and treat a wide variety of lung conditions as well as having established services in lung cancer diagnostics.

We are dedicated in promoting disease awareness, empowering patients in self management, preventing unnecessary admissions to hospital and facilitating early discharge form hospital with support from our nurse specialists.

We provide a range of services and specialist clinics and support many other specialists within the hospital to provide the best patient care which helps improve and maintain the quality of life and prevent deaths for a large population of people.

We have specialist expertise in the following conditions:

• Asthma
• COPD
• Pulmonary Fibrosis
• Bronchiectasis
• Asbestos related disease
• Obstructive sleep apnoea
• Lung cancer

Emergency Care

Know the signs of a flare-up and follow your management plan provided by your respiratory nurse.  If symptoms persist, contact your GP/NHS 24.  If symptoms worsen dramatically, call 999.

Medical Precautions

Protect yourself through:

• Winter vaccinations
• Pneumonia vaccines
• Avoiding people with respiratory infections

Lifestyle Changes

Smoking is a significant risk factor that adversely affects your respiratory health, especially during the winter months when conditions like asthma and bronchitis can worsen.

If you’re looking to quit smoking, our local NHS Forth Valley – Stop Smoking Service offer a comprehensive support system, including counselling and treatment options, to help you take that crucial step towards better lung health. Reach out to us for personalised guidance and resources on quitting.

Seasonal Advice

If you have long-term respiratory conditions like COPD or asthma, winter can worsen your symptoms. If symptoms worsen, seek medical assistance early for quicker recovery.

Tips for managing seasonal sympoms;

• Stay Warm
  recommended room temperatures are 21 degrees during the day and 18 degrees for your bedroom. Here are some tips:
• Wear warm nightclothes
  body temperature drops during sleep.
• Close windows at night
  to reduce the risk of lung infections
• Clothing and Food
  Layer your clothing to trap heat, keep blankets handy indoors, consume hot drinks and meals throughout the day.
• Outdoor Precautions
  Before venturing out, consider: Dressing adequately, checking the weather forecast, carrying rescue medication

Keeping Active

Physical activity is essential for both warmth and well-being, find exercises you can do indoors.

• Visit NHS Forth Valley – Physical Activity for tips.

Mental Health

Winter can significantly affect your mental health through Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), reduced Vitamin D levels, and increased isolation. To cope, consider light therapy for SAD and Vitamin D supplements after consulting a healthcare provider.

Try and stay socially connected and maintain a regular exercise routine, even if it’s indoors. Keeping a balanced diet and stable sleep schedule can also help regulate mood and energy levels. If symptoms persist, seek professional advice.

• Visit NHS Forth Valley – Mental Wellbeing for tips.