Frequently Asked Questions

What is Asthma?

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that is characterised by persistent inflammation of the lower airways within the lungs. There are subtypes of asthma but In most cases it is an allergic disorder. The degree of airways inflammation fluctuates according to various factors, e.g. exposure to allergens, viruses and other triggers. With enough inflammation symptoms of cough, wheeze, chest tightness and breathlessness are provoked. Even when no symptoms are present there may be significant airways inflammation.

Australia has one of the highest rates of asthma in the world; approximately 15% of our population is affected.

For the vast majority of patients asthma can be well controlled with simple, safe medications that are taken regularly. A small proportion of people have more severe asthma that requires additional medications and specialist management.

Dr Adrian Chazan

MBBS MELB FRACP

Dr Chazan is a Respiratory & Sleep Physician, and General Physician. Born in Melbourne, he undertook his basic medical training at the University of Melbourne. With a passion for sleep and breathing, he trained at world-renowned centres of excellence in Melbourne and Sydney, including Westmead Hospital, the Alfred Hospital and Monash Medical Centre. Adrian has been involved in research activities in the fields of sleep apnoea, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and exercise physiology.

Adrian utilises the latest findings in sleep research as well as the emerging technologies in diagnosis and treatment. He takes a patient-centered approach to medical care with the aim of empowering his patients to achieve better sleep and optimal long-term health outcomes.

Dr Calvin Sidhu

MBBS FRACP

Dr Sidhu completed his Bachelor of Medicine at the University of Newcastle (NSW). He undertook his Physician training at Westmead Hospital (Sydney) and Specialist training in Victoria.

He has completed additional training in Interventional Pulmonology and Pleural Medicine at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital (Perth) and Palliative Medicine (NSW). He has obtained required skills for bronchoscopies (respiratory endoscopies), endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) and pleural procedures. He has relevant experience in managing general respiratory conditions, emphysema-COPD, severe asthma, bronchiectasis, lung tumors, enlarged chest lymph nodes (mediastinal lymphadenopathy) and pleural conditions (pneumothorax , pleural effusions) and incorporating procedural treatments if appropriate.

He currently also hold a honorary position as a Sleep Medicine fellow at Monash Hospital.

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