Obstructive Diseases Unit

Expert assessment of COPD and difficult-to-control asthma

The Obstructive Lung Diseases Unit cares for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchial asthma and other respiratory disorders involving airflow limitation who experience persistent symptoms, repeated exacerbations or an inadequate response to standard treatment.

A specialist assessment is essential when breathlessness interferes with daily life, there are recurrent hospital admissions or there are diagnostic uncertainties.

The first clinical decision is to accurately confirm the type of obstructive disease and its severity, thereby avoiding inadequate treatment or inappropriate strategies.

Advanced functional diagnosis

The unit offers high-quality forced spirometry, measurement of exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) and a comprehensive pulmonary function test, all integrated into a structured diagnostic process.

Beyond the numerical results, expert interpretation enables the identification of specific clinical phenotypes — eosinophilic asthma, allergic asthma, emphysematous or mixed COPD — which determine different therapeutic approaches.

This approach avoids a one-size-fits-all approach to treatment and enables the judicious decision-making required to escalate treatment, introduce biologic therapies or reconsider the initial diagnosis.

Personalised treatment aimed at sustained control

The treatment plan is tailored to the individual, with treatment adjusted in line with up-to-date international guidelines and taking into account comorbidities, cardiovascular risk, inflammatory profile and clinical history.

A systematic review of inhalation technique, structured therapeutic education and the prevention of exacerbations form part of the approach. In selected cases, advanced therapies are considered where the clinical profile warrants it.

The aim is to achieve sustained clinical stability and reduce the functional impact of the disease.

Organised monitoring and prevention of exacerbations

Chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases require continuous monitoring. The unit establishes follow-up protocols that enable the early detection of clinical changes, allow treatment to be adjusted before complications arise, and reduce the risk of hospital admissions.

This proactive model prioritises long-term management over reactive intervention in response to acute crises.

Coordinated care model and clinical support

The complexity of COPD and moderate or severe asthma requires close coordination with Allergy, Respiratory Rehabilitation, Internal Medicine and Primary Care. The unit operates within a structured hospital setting that facilitates consensus-based decision-making when the clinical situation requires it, ensuring diagnostic consistency and continuity of care.

This care model combines expertise, precise diagnostic technology and individualised planning, incorporating an essential component: sufficient clinical time to explain, put things into context and address any concerns.

Each assessment includes clear information on the condition, treatment options and realistic control targets, enabling shared decision-making based on sound medical judgement.

Follow-up is not limited to prescribing medication. Ongoing support is provided throughout the patient’s clinical course, with regular reviews, reasoned adjustments and attention to the functional and personal factors that influence respiratory stability.

The combination of technical rigour and clinical compassion cements the Obstructive Respiratory Diseases Unit’s position as a specialised centre for the safe, precise and supported management of complex chronic respiratory conditions.