Respiratory physiotherapy is the treatment of various lung conditions with the use of manual techniques for sputum clearance, breathing exercises, pulmonary rehabilitation and education.

Conditions we are able to treat include:

• Bronchiectasis
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Emphysema
• Asthma
• Hyperventilation Syndrome (HVS)

Suzie Kirkpatrick is a specialist out patient respiratory physiotherapist who has experience of working alongside chest physicians in the treatment of lung conditions. She specialises in the treatment of HVS.

Hyperventilation Syndrome

Hyperventilation Syndrome (HVS) is a respiratory disorder which can also be known as panic attacks or acute anxiety attacks. It is a very frightening and often complex condition and diagnosis can be difficult. HVS is a collection of physical and emotional symptoms brought on by over-breathing. Emotional stress causes our breathing to become quicker and shallower. Over time this can have an effect on the chemical balances within the body (reduction of carbon dioxide and an increase in our arterial pH levels). This can cause a variety of unpleasant and often frightening symptoms such as:

• Breathlessness, tight chest
• Tingling (especially in fingers, arms and mouth)
• Dizziness, blurred vision, faintness, headaches
• Palpitations
• Sickness, abdominal pain
• Acute feelings of anxiety, tension, fatigue (often without cause)

The main cause of HVS is stress and how our body copes with it. Treatment focuses on re-education of the breathing dysfunction through very simple and effective exercises, and also focusing on how to take control of your breathing to prevent recurrence of HVS.

Suzie has worked with clients with this condition for over six years and set up a HVS clinic in her previous workplace.

What people have said about Respiratory Physiotherapy...

I have been coming to see Suzie Kirkpatrick for chest physiotherapy since about March this year. I have bronchiestasis and had had a particularly difficult winter with multiple chest infections. Suzie has been helping me with breathing exercises to clear the mucous. This has been excellent and her knowledge of my lung condition and other lung conditions is huge. It is great to be able to discuss my problems with her, as with doctors and specialists they don't normally have the time. When necessary she also performs percussion. I would thoroughly recommend this young woman to anyone with a chest complaint. - Sue H. Nov 2018