Private Respiratory Health in our Dublin and Galway Clinics
If you are experiencing symptoms related to your breathing, such as coughing, wheezing, deep breathing, shortness of breath, or chest pain, your GP may refer you to a Blackrock Health hospital for respiratory health tests. Respiratory health tests are designed to help diagnose and treat conditions related to the lungs and breathing.
There are many different conditions that can affect the respiratory system, including:
Asthma
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Respiratory health tests may include tests to show how well the lung functions, and other tests that look at the appearance or structure of the lung. Combining these tests can help your doctor make a diagnosis and assess the impact of your treatment.
Lung function tests include spirometry, which measures how much air you can breathe in and out and how quickly you can exhale.
The appearance or structure of the lung can be examined using non-invasive imaging tests such as Chest X-rays, CT scan and MRI scans.
The internal appearance can be checked using bronchoscopy, which uses a thin tube with a camera, inserted through the nose or the mouth, to look inside the lungs.
The goal of respiratory health testing is to help diagnose the underlying cause of your symptoms and develop a personalised treatment plan.
Treatment may include medication, such as inhalers or oral steroids, or lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking or avoiding certain triggers.
It is important to take any respiratory symptoms seriously, particularly if coughing up blood, and to seek medical attention if you are experiencing any difficulties with your breathing. With the right care and support, it is possible to manage and treat many respiratory conditions and improve your overall quality of life.
Some of our Respiratory health tests are only available in select locations. Please check with your preferred location to confirm that the service you seek is offered there.
Respiratory Health at Blackrock Health
The Blackrock Health respiratory health teams offer access to a unique level of expertise across our three hospitals. We understand that concerns about respiratory health can be worrying, which is why we offer fast access to expert advice. Our hospitals enjoy an established reputation for responsive, tailored healthcare for respiratory conditions. Our specialist respiratory health teams offer the best possible investigative and treatment options. We can provide the latest diagnostic technologies to help you get the most accurate and effective care possible, as fast as possible. Whether you need a routine check-up or more specialised care, our team is here to help you achieve optimal respiratory health.
If you are experiencing any breathing difficulties, a visit to one of our Respiratory consultants is advisable. They can diagnose and treat both pre-existing and long-standing lung conditions as well as investigate other causes of breathlessness.
Common conditions we treat include:
Asthma
Emphysema
Sarcoidosis
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
These conditions are diagnosed through many different tests which show the effectiveness and efficiency of a patient’s breathing.
Our respiratory departments also run sleep study clinics which aim to help patients who suffer from conditions such as:
Sleep apnoea
Restless leg syndrome
Insomnia
Narcolepsy.
Accessing our services
You can access Blackrock Health respiratory services easily with a referral from your GP and can then expect world-class clinical care and comfort. Over 75% of our hospital rooms are single occupancy, which can help you make a quicker recovery in a safe environment. We aim to provide you with the best possible outcome, and to restore your quality of life.
Here is some information about the tests and procedures that are available. If you have any questions about these procedures, please do not hesitate to ask your consultant or your respiratory physiologist.
Our expert team
Respiratory consultants
Respiratory physiologists
Clinical nurse specialists
Respiratory Diagnostic Tests
Lung function tests are breathing tests to check how well your lungs are working. The tests are done for many conditions and help to:
Diagnose a condition
Measure your response to treatment
Monitor your progress
Respiratory tests available at our clinic
Spirometry (FEV1, FVC) with flow volume loop
Reversibility testing / response to bronchodilators
Transfer test / diffusing capacity (DLCO)
Body plethysmography
Nitrogen washout
Muscle pressure assessment
Bronchial challenge test
Mannitol challenge test
Methacholine challenge test
Cardiopulmonary exercise test
Pulmonary function test
Cardiopulmonary stress test
Exercise challenge
Respiratory diseases include
COPD.
Lung cancer.
Tuberculosis.
Pneumonia.
Chronic bronchitis
Respiratory related cardiac tests
Sometimes problems with breathing are caused by underlying heart conditions, rather than directly because of a problem in your lungs. Occasionally both heart and lung problems co-exist and it can be difficult to identify the exact cause of your symptoms. Your doctors may request cardiac tests in addition to respiratory tests to identify the specific causes and design the most appropriate treatment. You can learn more about these tests on the Cardiology Tests page.
Respiratory related Allergy services
An allergy is a reaction the body has to a type of substance. The goal of allergy testing is to source the causes of an allergic reaction. There are multiple ways to test for allergies, such as:
Skin prick test - extracts of a food type are placed on your arm, and your skin is pierced, allowing droplets to come in contact with cells. Itching and redness means a positive reaction.
Blood test - measures the allergic antibodies in the blood.
Food elimination diet - Food that is thought to have caused the reaction is removed from the diet for 2-6 weeks, and then reintroduced. If the symptoms reduce and then return, this is more than likely a reaction.
Common allergies include:
Pollen (Hay fever)
Food allergies (Nuts, eggs, shellfish)
Mold.
Certain medicines
FAQ's about Respiratory Health
At Blackrock Health private hospitals in Dublin and Galway, we understand that a visit to our respiratory health clinic can be a stressful experience.
To help ease your concerns and provide clear information, we have complied a list of frequently asked questions specific to our respiratory services. Our goal is to care for our patients and to make your visit as smooth and reassuring as possible.
What are common respiratory conditions?
Common respiratory conditions include asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, bronchitis, influenza (flu), tuberculosis (TB), lung cancer, pulmonary embolism, sleep apnea, and respiratory allergies (such as hay fever or allergic rhinitis).
What are the symptoms of respiratory conditions?
Symptoms of respiratory conditions may vary depending on the specific condition but can include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest pain or tightness, difficulty breathing, coughing up blood, fever, chills, fatigue, nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and sore throat.
What are the risk factors for respiratory conditions?
Risk factors for respiratory conditions include smoking or exposure to second-hand smoke, air pollution, occupational exposures (such as dust, chemicals, or asbestos), respiratory infections (such as influenza or pneumonia), allergies, family history of respiratory diseases, and certain medical conditions (such as asthma or COPD).
How can I maintain good respiratory health?
To maintain good respiratory health, it's important to avoid smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke, minimize exposure to air pollutants and respiratory irritants, exercise regularly to strengthen respiratory muscles, maintain a healthy weight, practice good hygiene (such as handwashing), get vaccinated against respiratory infections (such as influenza or pneumonia), and seek prompt medical attention for respiratory symptoms or conditions.
What are the treatments for respiratory conditions?
Treatment for respiratory conditions depends on the specific condition and may include medications (such as bronchodilators, corticosteroids, antibiotics, or antiviral drugs), oxygen therapy, pulmonary rehabilitation, lifestyle modifications (such as smoking cessation or weight loss), breathing exercises, and in severe cases, surgery or other invasive procedures.
When should I see a healthcare provider for respiratory symptoms?
You should consider seeing a healthcare provider if you experience persistent or severe respiratory symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, persistent coughing, wheezing, coughing up blood, fever, or respiratory symptoms that worsen or do not improve with self-care measures.
What are some common triggers for asthma attacks?
Common triggers for asthma attacks include allergens (such as pollen, mould, dust mites, or animal dander), respiratory infections (such as colds or flu), air pollutants (such as smoke or smog), exercise, cold air, strong odours or fumes, stress, and certain medications or food additives.
How do I get this?
You will need a referral letter from your GP or consultant before you make an appointment.
Is this insured?
Not all services are covered by health insurance. To find out if you're covered, please check your health insurance before your visit. You can do this on our health insurance cover check page, or by contacting your health insurer.
How do I pay?
If you do not have health insurance or your health plan does not cover the full cost, you will need to pay the balance due before your treatment or procedure. You may be able to claim back some fees on your insurance. To pay an excess not covered by your insurance or any other inpatient fees, please visit our payment page. If you have any queries about paying for your care, please contact the finance team in your hospital.
