An Introduction to Respiratory Medicine at LivingCare in Leeds

Respiratory medicine is the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the lungs and airways, from asthma and COPD to persistent cough, breathlessness and sleep apnoea. LivingCare offers a private, consultant-led respiratory service at our Thorpe Park clinic in Leeds, giving you fast access to specialist assessment and a clear diagnosis.

Breathing difficulties, a cough that will not settle, and long-term lung conditions can affect your sleep, your energy, your ability to exercise, and your general wellbeing. Yet many people wait months for an NHS respiratory appointment, or find themselves passed between services without a clear plan. Around 5.4 million people in the UK are living with asthma alone, and respiratory conditions are among the most common reasons people seek specialist help.¹

Whether you have a new symptom that is worrying you, a long-term condition that is not well controlled, or you simply want a second opinion, our respiratory team is here to help. No GP referral is needed, and appointments are typically available promptly.

Why Choose LivingCare for Private Respiratory Medicine in Leeds?

Our respiratory consultants combine hospital-level expertise with the speed, convenience and personal attention that private care provides. You are seen quickly, assessed thoroughly, and given a clear plan.

• Consultant-led appointments - you are seen by a specialist respiratory consultant from your very first appointment, not a nurse or junior doctor
• Fast access in Leeds - avoid long NHS waiting times and be seen quickly at our Thorpe Park clinic, with no GP referral needed
• Comprehensive assessment - your consultant takes time to understand your symptoms, history and concerns, and arranges any investigations needed to reach a clear diagnosis
• Diagnostic capability - we offer a range of respiratory investigations at our Leeds clinic, including FeNO testing, to support accurate and timely diagnosis
• Clear communication - after your appointment, a detailed written report is provided to you and, with your consent, to your GP
• Modern facilities - our Leeds clinic is equipped with up-to-date diagnostic technology in a clean, comfortable, patient-centred environment
• Joined-up care - where onward referral or further investigation is needed, our team coordinates this efficiently and keeps you informed at every stage

Patients can choose to self-pay or use private medical insurance, making specialist respiratory care in Leeds accessible without the lengthy referral process.

When You Should Consider a Respiratory Appointment

You should consider a private respiratory assessment if you or a family member are experiencing any of the following.

Breathing and airway symptoms

• Unexplained breathlessness - at rest, on exertion, or gradually getting worse
• A persistent cough lasting more than three weeks
• Wheezing, chest tightness, or noisy breathing
• Recurrent chest infections

Diagnosed conditions needing review

• Poorly controlled or newly suspected asthma²
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including emphysema and chronic bronchitis³
• Bronchiectasis - a long-term condition where the airways are abnormally widened and prone to infection⁴
• Interstitial lung disease or pulmonary fibrosis - conditions causing progressive scarring of the lung tissue
• Suspected or confirmed tuberculosis (TB) needing specialist management

Other concerns

• Symptoms of sleep apnoea - loud snoring, waking unrefreshed, excessive daytime sleepiness, or breathing pauses noticed by a partner
• Prolonged symptoms following COVID-19 (Long COVID), including breathlessness, fatigue and persistent cough
• A concerning chest X-ray, scan result, or suspected lung abnormality needing specialist review
• Unexplained weight loss alongside respiratory symptoms that may need investigation for suspected lung cancer

If you are unsure whether your symptoms need assessment, please contact our team and we can advise on whether a respiratory consultation is appropriate for you.

Respiratory Services in Leeds

Our respiratory services are delivered at LivingCare's Thorpe Park clinic in Leeds. The following services are currently offered.

Respiratory Consultation

A comprehensive specialist assessment for any new or ongoing respiratory symptom or condition. Your consultant takes a full clinical history, examines you, reviews any existing test results, and advises on further investigation or treatment. A written report follows for you and, with your consent, your GP. Book a respiratory consultation in Leeds.

FeNO Testing

A simple, non-invasive breath test that measures airway inflammation, used to support the diagnosis and monitoring of asthma. Results are available quickly and reviewed by your consultant alongside your full clinical picture. Read more about FeNO testing.

References

1. Asthma + Lung UK - The Battle for Breath report
2. NICE NG245 - Asthma: diagnosis, monitoring and chronic asthma management (BTS, NICE, SIGN)
3. NHS - Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
4. NHS - Bronchiectasis