News - Sydney Respiratory Specialist

What you need to know as a GP

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in Australia, often diagnosed late, with a 5-year survival rate of just 18%. The death rates of lung cancer outnumber the deaths caused by breast, colon, and prostate cancer combined.

The new National Lung Cancer Screening Program is a major step forward-offering low-dose CT scans to high-risk individuals to detect lung cancer earlier and save lives.

But success depends on more than policy. It relies on GPs who identify risk, start conversations, and guide patients through screening. Your role is critical in educating, referring, and supporting patients, helping reduce mortality through early detection.

This isn’t just screening-it’s a chance to make a real difference.

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Who is eligible?
The program will target people aged 50 to 70 years who are current or former smokers (within the last 10 years) with a 30 pack-year smoking history.

How does it work?

Eligible individuals identified by their GP will be invited to undergo a BULK BILLED low-dose CT (LDCT) screening every two years. This approach aims to detect cancer at earlier, more treatable stages-when patients are asymptomatic. The referral process will center around GP-led assessments and shared decision-making conversations.

Where and when?
The program will begin in July 2025. This is a pivotal opportunity to reshape outcomes in Australia’s deadliest cancer. Staying informed and prepared will help ensure your patients
are among the first to benefit. Lung cancer is a silent killer. Low-dose CT screening improves early detection and cure.

A quieter revolution in lung cancer care:
1. Research shows the program could reduce lung cancer deaths by up to 24% in high-risk groups significant impact.
2. Early detection often means the difference between a cure and palliative care.
3. Screening greatly increases the chances of finding cancer at Stage I or II, allowing for more effective treatments like surgery or targeted therapy.
4. More early diagnoses lead to fewer emergency cases, easing pressure on hospitals and emergency departments.
5. Most importantly, patients and families gain a better quality of life-less time in treatment, more time together. Increased workload on Respiratory Clinics

• We understand from Australian research on the lung cancer screening program that 1-5% of CT chest scans will discover a lung cancer.
• We also know that many CT scans (around 90%) will have non-cancer-related abnormalities that require assessment.
• We expect a high number of referrals for Respiratory Clinics and have already implemented clinic availability for this work, as a result of the lung cancer screening
program.

Additional lung cancer/lung nodule clinics at Sydney Respiratory Specialist

We have a dedicated space to assess node/cancer referrals starting from 1st July 2025.
Dates: Tuesdays and Fridays
Times: 8 am-4 pm

Respiratory specialists: Dr Samantha Herath and Dr KV Singh
• Time Frame: We will see patients within 48 hours of referral and organise appropriate assessments. If lung cancer is suspected, we will perform all required bronchoscopic biopsies for diagnosis and refer for treatment within 2 weeks.
• Dr Singh and Dr Herath are skilled EBUS proceduralists. Therefore, the patient does not need to see another specialist for these procedures-saving time and money and streamlining the process for the patients.
• (National guidelines suggest a time frame of 2 weeks to see a specialist from the time of GP referral and 6 weeks to commencement of treatment. At Sydney Respiratory Specialist Clinic, we pride ourselves on achieving a much faster turnaround time.) Clinical guidelines and checklists for GPs:
• Access the National Lung Cancer Screening Program Clinical Guide and GP referral checklist directly from the Department of Health portal:

Clinical guidelines and checklists for GPs:

Access the National Lung Cancer Screening Program Clinical Guide and GP referral checklist directly from the Department of Health portal:

https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/national-lung-cancer-screening-program-clinical-guide

Patient communication tools:
• Printed brochures, digital explainers, and culturally safe materials are available to help you guide discussions with patients-especially those who may be hesitant or
unfamiliar with the concept of lung screening.

https://www.lungcancerresearchfoundation.org/for-patients/print-and-digital-resources/

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Let’s keep this dialogue open
We know that implementing a national screening program will come with questions, complexities, and curved paths. You don’t have to navigate them alone. If you’d like to discuss a case, clarify the referral process, or share feedback, we welcome your input.

Reach us at info@sydneyrespiratory.com.au or call our clinic on 02 9487 3473, or contact our practice manager, Kelly, on 0457 262 886, if you wish to speak to
one of our respiratory specialists directly. Suite 18, level 1, Parkway SAN Clinic, 172, Fox Valley Road, Wahroonga, NSW 2076

MYTH-BUSTING “I SLEEP FINE — I DON’T HAVE SLEEP APNOEA” IS ONE OF THE MOST COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS —

Even among patients with severe obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). Studies show up to 20–30% of patients with severe OSA may not experience daytime symptoms like fatigue or sleepiness, yet their
oxygen levels crash multiple times per hour.

HIDDEN HYPOXIA: THE REAL RISK

Even symptom-free OSA can cause:
Elevated nocturnal heart rate
Cardiovascular strain
Pulmonary hypertension
Right heart failure (if untreated)

GENDER MATTERS
Women are more likely to wake during apnoeic events and report fatigue or insomnia, while men
may sleep through episodes and appear asymptomatic—often brought in by a partner.

REFERRAL ESSENTIALS
Refer for a sleep study if your patient has:
• Cardiovascular disease
• Stroke or TIA
• Pulmonary hypertension
• Obesity with fatigue
• Resistant hypertension
• Type 2 diabetes
• Depression, anxiety, or poor sleep
• Irregular heart rhythm or atrial fibrillation

TREATMENT PATHWAYS
• Weight Loss
• Mandibular Advancement Splints (MAS)
• CPAP Therapy (with proper titration + follow-up)
• ENT Surgery (e.g. UPPP, tonsillectomy)
• Maxillofacial Surgery (for structural abnormalities)

WHY GP REFERRALS TO SLEEP SPECIALISTS MATTER
Sleep specialists provide tailored, accurate diagnoses and management plans. Most in Sydney
perform their own studies with minimal wait times and full Medicare rebates, even if scoring criteria
aren’t met.

MEET YOUR LOCAL SLEEP CARE TEAM

Dr Jian Eu Tai – Respiratory & Sleep Physician
Dr Katherine Duszyk – Respiratory & Sleep Physician
A/Prof Samantha Herath – Respiratory & Sleep Physician

REFER TODAY
Sydney Respiratory Specialist Clinic
Suite 18, Level 1, Parkway SAN Clinic, 172 Fox Valley Road, Wahroonga, NSW 2076

Referrals: HealthLink EDI: sydresps
Tel: 02 9487 8373 | Email: info@sydneyrespiratoryspecialistclinic.com.au

SLEEP APNOEA IN GENERAL PRACTICE: RECOGNISE, REFER, RESTORE NOTE THE RED FLAGS IN A SLEEP STUDY

Presentation and practical interpretation of sleep study

Click Here to Download the Newsletter (PDF)

What are lung function tests?

Lung function tests, or breathing tests, are tests that can be done to find out how well your lungs and airways are working. Lung function tests can help in the diagnosis of respiratory (breathing) conditions, work out how severe a condition is, and help monitor the response of treatments.
Most lung function tests are straightforward and are non-invasive; however, they do require maximum effort to provide accurate results. This may be tiring and make you feel a bit breathless. but should not be painful or uncomfortable.

Preparing for your test

Please refrain from:
• Tobacco smoking / vaping/ water pipe use for at least 4hr prior
• Performing vigorous exercise for at least 4 hr prior
• Eating a heavy meal up to 1hr prior
• Consuming intoxicants / alcohol/ marijuana smoking/ caffeine drinks for at least 8 hr prior to
tests
• Wearing restrictive clothing around the chest or stomach.

A Covid RAT test must be done at home prior to arrival on the day; please bring a negative result.

Please withhold your ‘puffers/inhalers’ before testing in accordance with Medication Table

If you could not withhold these the required times because your breathing was compromised, or your doctor advised otherwise, or you simply forgot to withhold, please keep your test appointment and let the testing scientist know at the time of testing. Please note for this test the Scientist will be required to ask you age/weight/sex/height and ethnicity to adjust your lung function test.

Lung Function Tests should NOT be performed if you have had minor surgery or a concussion within 1 week of the test appointment; have had a chest infection within 2 weeks of the test appointment; have had major surgery within 4 weeks of the test appointment; have an infectious respiratory condition (eg active TB, influenza); are in late term pregnancy; have unstable vascular or cardiac conditions. If any of these apply to you, please call our rooms on 9487 8373 to reschedule or cancel as appropriate.

“Popcorn lung” is a colloquial term for a lung disease called bronchiolitis obliterans. This a serious and usually irreversible lung condition that damages the small airways in the lungs, leading to coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. The term originated from an incident in the early 2000s when workers in a microwave popcorn plant developed this condition after being exposed to high levels of diacetyl, a chemical used in artificial butter flavoring.

Causes

While diacetyl is most commonly associated with popcorn lung, other potential causes include:

Chemical exposure : Inhalation of certain chemicals, including those in the food flavoring industry, can increase the risk.
Vaping : Some studies suggest that inhaling vapor from e-cigarettes containing diacetyl may also pose a risk.
Respiratory infections : Some viral infections can lead to damage similar to that seen in bronchiolitis obliterans.

Symptoms

Symptoms of popcorn lung may include:

Persistent cough
Wheezing
Shortness of breath (especially during physical activity)
Fatigue

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, lung function tests, and imaging studies. Treatment primarily focuses on managing symptoms and may include bronchodilators and corticosteroids. However, since popcorn lung is progressive and irreversible, prevention (particularly limiting exposure to harmful chemicals) is crucial.

If you have concerns about respiratory health or exposure to specific chemicals, it’s important to consult with your GP and get a referral to be assessed by a Respiratory specialist.

The duration of a respiratory flu, commonly referred to as influenza, can vary depending on several factors, including the individual’s overall health and the specific strain of the virus. Generally, the symptoms of the flu can last anywhere from a few days to about two weeks.

Here’s a breakdown of the typical timeline:

Incubation Period : After exposure to the virus, symptoms typically appear within 1 to 4 days.
Symptom Duration :
- Mild cases may see symptoms resolve within 3 to 5 days.
- Moderate to severe cases can last longer, potentially 7 to 14 days, especially with lingering cough and fatigue.
Recovery : Even after acute symptoms improve, some people may still feel fatigued or have a lingering cough for several weeks.

It’s important to consult a healthcare professional if symptoms are severe or last longer than expected, as secondary infections or complications can sometimes occur.

If you have an underlying cardiac or Respiratory issue then the flu can affect you more and make you feel very unwell.

If you have underlying asthma or COPD the cough and the wheeze can linger a lot longer. Also some types of Respiratory viruses cause more wheezing and lingering cough for e.g COVID 19 and RSV virus

A Respiratory specialist can help you by providing inhaler treatment for lingering coughs, assessing you for underlying asthma if symptoms don’t improve and also anticipating a secondary bacterial infection.

In the first instance if you are experiencing flu or flu-like symptoms the best option is to discuss it with your GP.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive lung disease that causes breathing difficulties due to airflow obstruction. Three conditions mainly, 1. chronic bronchitis and 2. emphysema and chronic asthma all fall into the category of COPD

Key characteristics of COPD include:

Chronic Bronchitis /Chronic asthma: Involves inflammation and narrowing of the airways, accompanied by excessive mucus production, leading to coughing and difficulty breathing.
Emphysema: Affects the alveoli (tiny air sacs in the lungs) by damaging their walls, reducing the surface area for gas exchange and causing shortness of breath.

Causes: The primary cause of COPD is long-term exposure to irritating gases or particulate matter, most often from cigarette smoke. Other risk factors include air pollution, occupational dust, and genetic factors (like alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency).

Chronic asthma is usually caused by an ongoing environmental trigger like allergies including dust mites and pollen.

Symptoms : Common symptoms include chronic cough, sputum production, wheezing, and shortness of breath, especially during physical activities. As the disease progresses, individuals may experience increasing difficulty with daily activities.

Management : While there is no cure for COPD, management strategies can help alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life. These may include smoking cessation, medications (like bronchodilators and corticosteroids), pulmonary rehabilitation, and in severe cases, oxygen therapy or surgery.

Early diagnosis and lifestyle modifications are essential to slow the progression of the disease and enhance overall lung function.

An accurate assessment requires complex lung function testing, a high-resolution CT scan of the chest and a Respiratory specialist opinion.

Mucus production is a natural and essential function of the respiratory system, as it helps to trap dust, allergens, and pathogens, keeping the airways moist and protected. However, excessive mucus can lead to uncomfortable symptoms, especially when conditions like sinus issues, silent reflux, or lung-related ailments such as bronchiectasis and bronchitis are present.

Chest physiotherapy (CPT) is indeed one of the most effective natural methods for managing mucus buildup.It includes techniques such as:

Postural Drainage: Positioning the body to use gravity to help drain mucus from the lungs.
Percussion: Clapping on the chest and back to loosen mucus.
Vibration: Using a hand-held device or manual techniques to help vibrate the chest wall, which can help dislodge mucus. Devices like PEP and Acapella are used for this very effectively.
Coughing Techniques: Teaching patients how to effectively cough to clear mucus.
In addition to chest physiotherapy, maintaining hydration, using steam inhalation, and performing breathing exercises can further support mucus clearance. If mucus buildup persists or becomes problematic, consulting a healthcare professional is critical for personalized management and treatment.
Chest physiotherapy is indeed a specialized area within physiotherapy that focuses on improving respiratory function and mobilizing mucus in patients with lung congestion and other respiratory conditions. At Sydney Respiratory Specialist Clinic, Ms. Vicki Hill brings extensive expertise, holding a master’s degree in chest physiotherapy and boasting over 20 years of experience. Her skills are invaluable in providing effective treatment tailored to individual needs, helping patients manage lung congestion and improve their overall respiratory health. With her guidance, patients can benefit from a range of techniques designed to enhance lung function and quality of life.

Identifying the underlying cause of lung congestion is crucial for effective treatment. A respiratory specialist can conduct thorough assessments and diagnostic tests to determine the specific issues affecting your respiratory health.

To consult a respiratory specialist or a chest physiotherapist, a referral from your general practitioner (GP) is required. This referral ensures that you receive appropriate care tailored to your needs. If you suspect you have a respiratory condition or are dealing with ongoing lung congestion, it’s a good idea to schedule an appointment with your GP for evaluation and potential referral.

For many people, getting an accurate diagnosis for sleep apnoea can feel like a long, frustrating process. At-home sleep studies streamline the process by offering a simple, effective, and affordable way to monitor your sleep patterns in your own environment.

If you suspect sleep apnoea or have been struggling with tiredness and poor sleep quality, don’t wait. Speak to your healthcare provider about an at-home sleep study and take control of your health from the comfort of your own bed.

In Conclusion

Sleep apnoea might be more common than you think, and with the rise of at-home sleep studies, it’s never been easier to get a diagnosis. A simple test at home can help you unlock better sleep and better health. So why not make this simple change for a more restful, rejuvenating night of sleep? After all, restful sleep is just a study away!

outof teh box topic about at hoem sleep study

ChatGPT

“How an At-Home Sleep Study Can Help You Unlock Your Creative Potential”

We often associate sleep with rest, but did you know that a lack of quality sleep could be limiting your creativity? Whether you’re an artist, writer, or business professional, the link between sleep and creativity is stronger than you might think. And if you’re struggling with feeling constantly stuck or uninspired, an at-home sleep study could be the key to unlocking your creative flow.

The Sleep-Creativity Connection

It turns out that sleep plays a critical role in the brain’s ability to process and organize information. During sleep, especially the REM (rapid eye movement) stage, your brain sorts through the day’s memories and experiences, consolidating them into something more useful. This process is key for problem-solving and creative thinking. But when your sleep is disrupted—whether it’s from sleep apnoea, insomnia, or poor sleep hygiene—it can hinder your brain’s ability to do this.

If you often wake up feeling uninspired, mentally foggy, or unable to tap into your creativity, sleep apnoea could be the culprit. But what if you could address this without the discomfort or hassle of spending the night in a sleep clinic?

At-Home Sleep Studies: A Creative Game Changer

Here’s where an at-home sleep study comes in. Imagine being able to test your sleep from the comfort of your own bed, without the stress of an unfamiliar clinic. The test can reveal underlying issues like sleep apnoea, a condition where your breathing is interrupted throughout the night, leaving you with restless sleep and insufficient oxygen levels. As a result, your brain doesn’t get the rest it needs to regenerate and fuel your creativity.

By identifying and addressing these disruptions, you could dramatically improve your cognitive function and creative abilities. An at-home sleep study is not just about diagnosing a problem; it’s about improving the quality of your sleep to enhance your life, your work, and your creative potential.

Why Sleep Apnoea Might Be Stifling Your Creative Mind

Sleep apnoea is often called the “silent killer” because it goes unnoticed by many people. The condition causes breathing pauses during sleep, leading to frequent wake-ups, even if you don’t realize it. These disturbances can fragment your sleep, preventing you from reaching the deep, restorative stages your brain needs.

This lack of quality sleep means your brain doesn’t fully process and organize information. You might find yourself struggling to come up with new ideas or feeling mentally drained all the time. If you’re an artist or writer, this could show up as creative blocks or a lack of inspiration. If you’re in business, it might manifest as poor decision-making or a lack of focus.

An at-home sleep study allows you to pinpoint whether sleep apnoea is affecting your creativity. By addressing the root cause, you could experience breakthroughs that were once elusive.

How Can an At-Home Sleep Study Help You Reclaim Your Creative Spark?

Understand Your Sleep Patterns: An at-home sleep study provides valuable insights into your sleep cycles, pinpointing disruptions like apnoea events, oxygen level drops, and even snoring. Understanding how your sleep is being interrupted can empower you to take action to fix it.
Prevent Sleep Deprivation: Poor sleep doesn’t just affect your ability to think clearly. It also impacts your mood, energy, and overall productivity. By diagnosing and treating any sleep disorders, you can prevent sleep deprivation from derailing your creative process.
Boost Problem-Solving Skills: Restorative sleep enhances problem-solving abilities, memory, and cognitive flexibility—skills directly tied to creativity. With better sleep quality, your brain can make more connections and think outside the box.
Increase Mental Clarity: When you’re well-rested, your brain operates more efficiently. The fog that clouds your thinking lifts, and you can approach challenges with a fresh perspective, leading to innovative ideas.
Set Yourself Up for Success: Understanding that sleep is directly tied to creativity allows you to make sleep hygiene a priority. With a clear diagnosis from an at-home sleep study, you’ll have the information you need to make informed choices about your health and sleep habits.

Reclaim Your Sleep, Unlock Your Creativity

Your sleep is a powerful tool in unlocking creativity, but only if you’re getting the rest you need. An at-home sleep study could be the first step toward reclaiming not only your health but also your creative edge. If you’ve been struggling with creative blocks, mental fatigue, or a lack of inspiration, it may be time to see if poor sleep quality is the root cause.

So, what are you waiting for? Take control of your sleep, and watch as your creativity soars. After all, the best ideas often come when you’re well-rested and ready to think outside the box.

Sleep apnoea is often seen as a solitary issue—snoring, fatigue, and restless nights. But in reality, it’s just the visible tip of a much larger iceberg. Beneath the surface lies a web of interconnected health risks that can profoundly impact your body, mind, and overall quality of life.

Sleep apnoea often appears to be just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to metabolic syndrome. Many people with sleep apnoea also have underlying conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, gout, hyperlipidemia, and insulin resistance, among others. It is common for sleep apnoea to be identified when a cardiologist refers a patient for sleep studies, particularly when they encounter challenging cases of high blood pressure or arrhythmias like atrial fibrillation that are difficult to manage. This shows the strong connection between sleep apnoea and broader metabolic and cardiovascular issues.

If untreated, sleep apnoea can silently pave the way for a cascade of serious health complications. Here’s what lies beneath the surface:

1. Heart Health on the Line

Sleep apnoea doesn’t just disrupt your breathing; it also disrupts your heart. Repeated pauses in breathing cause fluctuations in oxygen levels, placing immense strain on the cardiovascular system. This increases your risk of:

High blood pressure
Heart attacks
Irregular heart rhythms
Stroke

Each untreated night puts your heart under chronic stress, making cardiovascular disease one of the most significant hidden dangers.

2. Your Brain Under Siege

Interrupted sleep and oxygen deprivation take a toll on your brain. People with untreated sleep apnoea often report memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and slower decision-making. Over time, these issues can escalate, contributing to cognitive decline and increasing the risk of dementia.

3. The Metabolic Domino Effect

Sleep apnoea affects your metabolism in profound ways. It disrupts hormones that regulate hunger, leading to weight gain and obesity—a known contributor to worsening sleep apnoea. Additionally, untreated sleep apnoea is closely linked to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, forming a dangerous cycle of metabolic dysfunction.

4. Emotional and Mental Health Impact

Sleep apnoea doesn’t just drain your energy; it drains your mood. Poor sleep quality is directly linked to irritability, anxiety, and depression. Over time, these mental health challenges can affect relationships, work performance, and overall life satisfaction.

5. Chronic Inflammation and Immune Dysfunction

The repeated stress and oxygen dips caused by sleep apnoea can trigger chronic inflammation throughout the body. This inflammation is a precursor to numerous diseases, from autoimmune conditions to certain cancers. Moreover, a weakened immune system makes it harder to fend off illnesses and recover from infections.

6. Increased Risk of Accidents

Fatigue from untreated sleep apnoea can be as impairing as alcohol consumption when driving or operating machinery. Sleep-deprived individuals are at a significantly higher risk of workplace accidents and car crashes, putting their lives—and others’—in jeopardy.

A Disease With Far-Reaching Effects

Sleep apnoea is not just a “snoring problem.” It’s a systemic condition with ripple effects that touch every aspect of your health. The visible symptoms are only the tip of the iceberg; the deeper consequences can take years off your life if ignored.

Take Action: Address the Whole Iceberg

The good news is that sleep apnoea is treatable. Whether through lifestyle changes, CPAP therapy, dental devices, or surgical options, there are ways to manage this condition and prevent its hidden dangers.

By seeking professional help, you’re not just treating sleep apnoea—you’re protecting your heart, brain, metabolism, and overall health.

Don’t Let Sleep Apnoea Sink Your Health

The dangers of untreated sleep apnoea extend far beyond snoring. Understanding its full impact is the first step toward taking control of your health. If you suspect sleep apnoea, don’t wait. The sooner you address it, the sooner you can rise above the iceberg and enjoy the benefits of restful, restorative sleep.

4o

NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

A turning point for lung cancer in Australia

What you need to know as a GP

Understanding Sleep Apnoea Risk

MYTH-BUSTING “I SLEEP FINE — I DON’T HAVE SLEEP APNOEA” IS ONE OF THE MOST COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS —

HIDDEN HYPOXIA: THE REAL RISK

GENDER MATTERS
Women are more likely to wake during apnoeic events and report fatigue or insomnia, while men
may sleep through episodes and appear asymptomatic—often brought in by a partner.

SLEEP APNOEA IN GENERAL PRACTICE: RECOGNISE, REFER, RESTORE NOTE THE RED FLAGS IN A SLEEP STUDY

Click Here to Download the Newsletter (PDF)

How to prepare for my lung function test?