Breathlessness can move from manageable to dangerous quickly. The first priority is oxygen, breathing effort and work of breathing; the second is finding and treating the cause.
What we assess
- Shortness of breath on exertion or at rest
- Wheezing, chest tightness or a persistent cough
- Asthma or COPD symptoms that are getting worse
- Fever with breathlessness or chest pain
- Difficulty speaking in full sentences
What the visit includes
- 01
Immediate vitals, oxygen saturation and breathing assessment
- 02
Nebulisation and first-line breathing treatment where appropriate
- 03
ECG and basic investigations when indicated
- 04
Clear escalation to hospital if oxygen or monitoring is needed
- 05
An action plan for inhalers and follow-up
Do not wait for a clinic appointment if you notice these
- Severe breathlessness, blue lips or inability to speak
- Chest pain or pain spreading to the arm, jaw or back
- Confusion, drowsiness or a falling level of consciousness
- A sudden worsening that does not settle with the usual inhaler
Call 108 for an ambulance or 112 for the national emergency helpline.
After the visit
You will leave with written instructions: medicines, doses, warning signs and a follow-up date. If a test is pending, the clinic will explain who will review it and when. Bring the reports to the follow-up visit.
This page is general information about the clinic's approach. It is not a diagnosis or a substitute for an in-person assessment.