Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) affects approximately 1 in 13 Australians over the age of 40 — yet many people live with it for years before receiving a diagnosis. At Southwest Pulmonary & Sleep Centre (SWCPC) in Oran Park, our Lung Specialists see patients with COPD and other chronic lung conditions every day, and we know that earlier diagnosis leads to significantly better outcomes.
What Is COPD?
COPD is a progressive lung disease that causes airflow obstruction — making it increasingly difficult to breathe over time. It is primarily caused by long-term exposure to irritants, most commonly cigarette smoke, but also workplace dust, fumes, and air pollution. The two main conditions that fall under COPD are chronic bronchitis (persistent inflammation of the airways) and emphysema (destruction of the air sacs in the lungs).
While COPD cannot be cured, it can be effectively managed with the right treatment — and our Lung Physicians at SWCPC are specialists in doing exactly that.
Symptoms of COPD
The symptoms of COPD often develop gradually and are frequently dismissed as “just getting older” or “smoker’s cough”. Key warning signs include:
- Persistent cough, often with mucus (phlegm)
- Shortness of breath, especially during activity
- Wheezing or chest tightness
- Frequent chest infections
- Reduced exercise tolerance over time
- Fatigue and weight loss in more advanced stages
If you smoke or have smoked, or have worked in a dusty or chemical environment, and recognise any of these symptoms, please see your GP and ask for a referral to a Lung Specialist.
How Is COPD Diagnosed?
Diagnosis is made through spirometry — a breathing test that measures how much air you can breathe in and out, and how quickly. This simple, non-invasive test is available at our Oran Park clinic and is the gold standard for COPD diagnosis. Our Lung Doctors will also review your history, symptoms, and any imaging before confirming a diagnosis and staging the severity of your COPD.
Treatment for COPD at SWCPC
Our Lung Specialists create individualised management plans that may include:
- Inhaled bronchodilators — to open the airways and reduce breathlessness
- Inhaled corticosteroids — to reduce airway inflammation
- Pulmonary rehabilitation — structured exercise and education programs proven to improve quality of life
- Smoking cessation support — the single most effective intervention for slowing COPD progression
- Oxygen therapy — for patients with low blood oxygen levels
- Management of exacerbations — preventing and treating flare-ups that can cause rapid deterioration
Other Lung Conditions We Treat
COPD is one of many lung conditions managed by our Lung Doctors at SWCPC. We also diagnose and treat:
- Asthma and difficult-to-control asthma
- Interstitial lung disease and pulmonary fibrosis
- Lung nodules and abnormal CT findings
- Pleural effusion (fluid around the lungs)
- Bronchiectasis and recurrent chest infections
- Tuberculosis (TB) and post-TB complications
- Occupational lung diseases
See a Lung Specialist in Oran Park
SWCPC offers comprehensive Lung Specialist services at our Oran Park clinic, conveniently located for patients across South West Sydney including Camden, Narellan, Campbelltown, Gregory Hills, Liverpool, and Leppington.
A GP referral is required. Ask your GP to refer you to Southwest Pulmonary & Sleep Centre for a lung specialist consultation.
Address: Level 2, Suite 2.12, TRN House, 90 Podium Way, Oran Park NSW 2570
Phone: (02) 4607 5010
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 4:30pm
