Dr Amit Patel

Dr Amit Patel
Pulmonology and respiratory medicine
Central London


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Dr Amit Patel Pulmonology and respiratory medicine in
London

MBBS MD FRCP AHEA


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Dr Amit Patel areas of expertise:

Professional statement

Dr Amit Patel is a leading London Consultant Respiratory physician specialising in the investigation and management of all respiratory diseases including acute and chronic cough, asthma, breathlessness of unknown cause, COPD, lung cancer, respiratory failure, sleep apnoea, sarcoidosis, interstitial lung disease and bronchiectasis.

He has a number of private clinics in London, alongside his NHS work at King's College Hospital and Guys and St Thomas's Hospital. During Dr Patel's higher specialist training he obtained a MD in the Division of Asthma, Allergy and Lung Biology within King’s College London.

Dr Amit Patel holds a postgraduate teaching qualification and is actively involved in undergraduate and postgraduate teaching and teaches all aspects of respiratory medicine. He has been involved in a number of research projects and his work has been published in a number of high impact factor international journals, and presented at major symposia in North America, Europe and the UK.


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 Credentials

GMC: 6029386

 Professional experience

• More than 15 years of experience
• Consultant Respiratory Physician, London Bridge Hospital (present)
• Consultant Respiratory Physician, Hospital of St John and St Elizabeth (present)
• Consultant Respiratory Physician, King Edward VII Hospital (present)
• Consultant Respiratory Physician, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (present)
• Consultant Respiratory Physician, King's Private, King's College Hospital (present)

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 Sub-specialties

• Acute and chronic cough
• Shortness of breath
• Asthma
• Respiratory infection
• Interstitial lung disease
• Sleep apnoea
• Sarcoidosis
• Lung cancer and pulmonary nodules
• COPD
• Bronchiectasis
• Chronic bronchitis
• Pleural effusion
• Pneumonia
• Pulmonary embolism
• Pulmonary emphysema
• Pulmonary fibrosis
• Pulmonary nodule
• Respiratory failure
• Smoking cessation (quitting)
• Spirometry
• Thoracic pain
• Respiratory infection
• Bronchiolitis
• Bronchoscopy
• Chest infection
• Lung biopsy
• Pulmonary hypertension
• Pulmonary tuberculosis

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 Teaching posts

• Honorary Senior Lecturer, King's College London (present)

 Education

• MBBS, King's College London (2001)
• MRCP, Royal College of Physicians (2005)
• AHEA, Higher Education Academy (2011)
• MD, King's College London (2015)
• FRCP, Royal College of Physicians (2016)

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 Publications and conferences

• Author of numerous articles published in high impact peer reviewed journals
• Regular presentations at national and international medical conferences

 Professional membership

• Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians
• Member of the British Thoracic Society
• Member of the Medical Protection Society
• Associate of the Higher Education Academy

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Languages spoken

  • English
  • Gujarati

Diseases, Medical Tests and Treatments

Asthma

Asthma (or bronchial asthma) is a lung disease caused by narrowing of the bronchi, which causes breathing difficulties. It is characterised by the pre ...

Breathing problems

Breathing problems can be caused by a number of conditions such as asthma, allergies, unresolved infections, COPD, and a variety of other conditions w ...

Chronic cough

What is a chronic cough? Most coughs cause discomfort, but they usually serve a use – when we cough, we expel germs, mucus and foreign material ...

Lung diseases

The lungs are responsible for providing oxygen to our body. Lung diseases are responsible for around a fifth of annual deaths in the UK. They are nume ...

Sleep apnoea

Sleep apnoea is the interruption of breathing that occurs moments after falling asleep, preceded by a period of loud snoring for at least 10 seconds. If this process is repeated 5 times for each hour of sleep it is called Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Syndrome. Obstruction of breathing causes a decrease in oxygen levels in the body that makes it difficult for the person to have a restful sleep and causes tiredness the next morning. In addition, the persistence of this lack of oxygen could lead to pulmonary hypertension and future right-sided heart failure or myocarditis, so it is important to detect it early and perform relevant tests for a safe diagnosis. A sleep study is carried out to establish treatment that includes the change of some lifestyle habits (diet, abstention from alcohol, postural changes) and the prescription of a CPAP machine, which generates air pressure via a nasal mask. This stops respiratory obstruction, preventing snoring and favouring restful sleep. In some cases, surgery may be required if there are any airway scars or when the mask is not effective. ...

Respiratory infection

Respiratory infection is when the respiratory tract or lungs become infected. In some cases it can lead to pneumonia.

Bronchiectasis

What is bronchiectasis? Bronchiectasis is a chronic lung disease that damages the major airways of the lungs, causing them to widen. There can be two types: Congenital bronchiectasis: this is present from birth. Acquired bronchiectasis appears later in life. What are the symptoms of bronchiectasis? Symptoms develop gradually and may appear months or years later. The main ones are: A daily cough that occurs over months or years Coughing up large amounts of sputum (spit) with mucus Coughing up blood Wheezing Difficulty breathing, especially during exercise Chest pain Bad breath Clubbing of fingernails and toenails Fatigue Weight loss How can bronchiectasis be diagnosed? Early identification is the best way to prevent the condition from worsening. If patients have symptoms suggestive of bronchiectasis, an HRCT, blood test, sputum analysis (analysis of saliva and mucus) and lung function tests can diagnose the condition. What are the causes of bronchiectasis? Bronchiectasis can be caused by many different factors. The most common cause of bronchiectasis is recurrent respiratory tract infections. These cause inflammation and damage to the airways. Genetic causes include cystic fibrosis, which is a condition that affects the cilia, the hair-like structures that sweep mucus out of the lungs. People with a weakened immune system, asthma and primary ciliary dyskinesia are at a higher risk of developing the condition. Other causes include previous tuberculosis infections, rheumatoid arthritis and inhaling foreign bodies. Can bronchiectasis be prevented? If the disease is congenital, it cannot be prevented, although the risk of complications can be reduced by treating lung infections early. On the other hand, if a person avoids smoking and reduces their exposure to pollution, they can reduce their risk of respiratory infections. The annual flu vaccine and childhood vaccines can also help to reduce the chances of some infections. What is the treatment for bronchiectasis? The main treatment is daily drainage to eliminate sputum, the mucus that gets caught in the airways. Daily postural drainage exercises help with this. Patients are given antibiotics and expectorants to heal any chest infection. Patients who experience frequent chest infections must take prophylactic antibiotics two or three times a week.     ...

Bronchiolitis

Bronchiolitis is a viral disease characterised by swelling of the small airways. Runny nose, cough and shortness of breath are the most common symptoms. It can develop in both children and adults. However, in adult smokers it can cause serious breathing difficulties that must be treated with care. ...

Bronchoscopy

A bronchoscopy is a diagnostic test to visualise and collect samples of secretions or tissues from the airways (larynx, trachea, and larger bronchi) to diagnose multiple related pathologies, such as pulmonary obstructions and cancerous tumours. It may serve as a biopsy or for the extraction of liquids for later study, in addition to being used for therapeutic purposes.  ...

Chest infection

Chest infections can be caused by bacteria, viruses, and more rarely other organisms. They cause fever, breathlessness, fatigue, and occasionally coughing up blood. ...

Chronic bronchitis

Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes, the airways that carry air to your lungs. It causes a cough that often brings up mucus. It can also cause shortness of breath, wheezing, a low fever, and chest tightness. There are two main types of bronchitis: acute and chronic. Chronic bronchitis is a type of COPD. Smoking tobacco is the most common cause. Excess mucus is produced by inflamed bronchials which can lead to coughing an wheezing. ...

Cystic fibrosis

  Cystic fibrosis (CF), or mucovicidosis, is a genetic, hereditary, non-contagious and incurable disease that manifests itself from birth as a result of two altered genes. This is a complex pathology because it affects all the organs but in a different way, and in varying degrees, depending on the case. With CF, very viscous mucus that clogs the lungs, the digestive system and the reproductive system, prevents the normal function of the organs. The diagnosis is made by genetic blood tests and from a sweat test (or iontophoresis), to verify the excessive secretion of salt through the patient's sweat. Currently, gene therapy is being studied as a potential cure of CF; this would involve replacing the defective gene that causes this disease with a normal one that works correctly. Meanwhile, the therapies and drugs most used for this disease are: respiratory physiotherapy exercises, with previous inhalation of medicines for the fluidification of mucus; antibiotic, oral, intravenous or inhaled treatments; pancreatic enzymes given at each meal; vitamin supplements, calorie supplements and a proper diet; isotonic drinks to prevent dehydration; performing mild physical exercise that improves lung capacity, and in extremely severe cases, transplant of an affected organ. ...

Lung biopsy

A lung biopsy is the extraction of lung tissue for histological examination to determine the best diagnosis of lung diseases. The test, which usually lasts between 30 and 60 minutes, is undertaken after a period of nil by mouth, an X-ray and a CT scan of the chest. A lung biopsy is initiated through a skin incision of about 3mm, into which a needle is inserted, then into the lung tissue or tumour, from which the sample is taken for analysis in the laboratory. Subsequently, a chest radiograph is performed to verify that there has been no damage during the process. ...

Pleural effusion

Pleural effusion is when an abnormal quantity of fluid gathers around the lung. It may be caused by a number of different medical conditions. The most common cause is congestive heart failure and exudative effusions which are caused by blocked blood vessels or lymphatic vessels, inflammation, lung injury, and tumours.  ...

Pneumonia

What is pneumonia? Pneumonia is an inflammatory condition of the lungs caused by infection. Primarily affecting the alveoli – small air sacs deep in the lungs, where oxygen passes into the bloodstream and carbon dioxide passes out back into the lungs – pneumonia is when these air sacs become inflamed and fill with fluid. What many people don’t realise is that pneumonia is not a specific type of infection, but rather an effect that can be created by several causes, mainly bacteria or viruses. The severity can vary, with some patients – particularly babies, elderly people, and those with compromised immune systems or other diseases – becoming very ill. Some may need hospital treatment, and for some, it can even prove fatal. What are the symptoms of pneumonia? As the alveoli are filled with fluid, pneumonia can cause difficulty breathing, coughing and chest pain. Other common signs of pneumonia include: Fever Coughing up mucus Sweating and shivering Loss of appetite Feeling generally unwell Rapid heartbeat Fatigue Less commonly, patients may experience: Headaches Nausea/vomiting Wheezing Joint and muscle pain Coughing up blood Confusion/delirium – especially in older patients. What causes pneumonia? Many types of bacteria, viruses and even some fungi can cause pneumonia. The most common cause is infection by the bacteria Streptococcus pneumonia. Other culprits include: Bacteria: Haemophilus influenza Straphylococcus aureus Viruses Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) Influenza type A Influenza type B Fungal pneumonia – rare in the UK Aspiration pneumonia – this is caused by breathing in something harmful, such as smoke, chemicals, vomit, or a foreign object. Those at a greater risk of catching pneumonia include babies, elderly people, smokers, people with compromised immune systems (such as those with HIV or AIDS, or people who have recently had flu), and people with other chronic health issues, such as asthma, cystic fibrosis, or heart disease.   How can it be prevented? While most cases of pneumonia are bacterial in nature and aren’t contagious, you can reduce the risk of it spreading by maintaining good standards of hygiene, for example, by covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, throwing away tissues immediately (germs can survive for hours after leaving your body), and washing your hands regularly. Avoiding smoking and reducing alcohol intake can help to maintain your lungs and their natural defences, as smoking and drinking can leave them weakened. People with a higher risk of infection are advised to have the pneumococcal vaccine and flu vaccine.   What is the treatment for pneumonia? Milder cases of pneumonia may be treated at home with plenty of rest and fluids, and by taking antibiotics (if appropriate – consult your doctor first!). For serious cases, the patient may need to be hospitalised, and treated by doctors there. The speed of recovery depends on the individual case. It is not uncommon for recovery to take weeks, and even months for all the symptoms (particularly fatigue) to resolve. ...

Pneumothorax

Pneumothorax is the presence of air in the pleural space between the lungs and chest. Symptoms generally include onset of one-sided chest pain, or shortness of breath. If the condition is not reversed, it can result in death. Pneumothorax is a collapsed lung, this blockage occurs when air leaks into the space between the lungs and chest wall. This disease affects more men than women, the risk increases if the patient is regular smoker. The origin of pneumothorax can be external by an injury or a fracture in the ribs or internal by disease in the lung itself. Symptoms of pneumothorax Difficulty breathing Pain in the chest area The racing heartbeat, Excessive sweating Paleness Bad cough sometimes with blood   ...

Pulmonary embolism

A pulmonary embolism is when a blockage occurs in the pulmonary artery, which carries blood from the heart to the lungs. Symptoms can include chest pain, coughing, shortness of breath, or even dizziness. The blockage, often a blood clot, can be fatal as it can block the flow of blood to the lungs. ...

Pulmonary emphysema

Pulmonary emphysema is a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with no cure. It is characterised by the destruction of the walls of the alveoli. This causes a decrease in respiratory function and the progressive destruction of the lung. Its main symptoms are shortness of breath (especially during activity and physical exercise), coughing and respiratory difficulty. ...

Pulmonary Fibrosis

  Pulmonary fibrosis (or idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis) is a respiratory disease in which the lungs become scarred and stiff, making it difficult to breath. It occurs most frequently in patients aged between 50-70, and some of the causes for its occurrence include the use of snuff, the effect of some drugs on the body, acid-gastric reflux, environmental causes and exposure to certain toxic substances. Symptoms vary widely: dyspnea, cough, fever, decreased body mass, etc., so the diagnosis should clarify its difference from other diseases with similar symptoms. Through a comprehensive examination of the patient (complete analysis, chest X-rays, CT scans and biopsy) based primarily on corticosteroids, cytotoxic and anti-fibrotic, with satisfactory results in most cases, treatment is established. Pulmonary fibrosis is a disease to be healing tissue deep in the lungs. This hinders healing breath and blood does not receive enough oxygen. In most cases no cause can be found, in others it is due to contaminants, medications or after lung diseases. Fibrosis symptoms may include: Difficulty breathing Dry cough that does not improve Tiredness Weight loss for no apparent reason Pains in muscles and joints Pulmonary fibrosis has no cure. Treatment aims to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life. ...

Pulmonary hypertension

Pulmonary hypertension is a condition where the blood pressure in the lungs is too high. This may happen in many situations and causes more severe breathlessness than might otherwise be expected given standard test results and if untreated leads to heart failure. Echocardiography is the most important test used to identify this condition in breathless patients. Many other tests (lung function, lung scans, right heart catheterisation etc.) are required to find the exact cause and give the right treatment once pulmonary hypertension is suspected. Because of the specialised nature of the testing and treatment required, all UK patients with pulmonary hypertension that is not clearly due to left heart and lung disease are referred to one of seven national specialist centres. Pulmonary hypertension may be due to back pressure from the left heart, narrowing of the small vessels in the lungs, or blockages in the vessels in the lungs. The diagnosis can only be made by passing a tube into the lung arteries to measure the pressures here directly. Some forms of pulmonary hypertension require highly specific therapy and progress rapidly if untreated, so a battery of tests are performed within weeks of suspecting the diagnosis, to ensure that those that will benefit from ‘advanced therapies’ or surgery to remove obstructions are offered the appropriate therapy as early as possible. However, in most instances, either heart or lung disease is found to be the driver and while making the diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension is still important, the treatment is optimising the management of the underlying heart or lung condition. Further information is available on the patients association website. ...

Pulmonary nodule

What is a pulmonary nodule? Pulmonary nodules are spots on the lungs, which usually are no larger than 3cm in diameter. In most cases, they are benign and do not represent cancer. A pulmonary nodule will usually show on a chest x-ray or a CT scan. They can appear as individual nodules, or you may have several. If a pulmonary nodule is cancerous, they are usually larger than 3cm and may be irregular in shape. Prognosis of a pulmonary nodule: Benign pulmonary nodules are more likely to be non-cancerous is you are a non-smoker, you are less than 40 years of age and the nodule is less than 3cm. If the nodule is confirmed as being cancerous, if there is just one nodule it is likely that the lung cancer is in earlier stages. However, a cancerous pulmonary nodule could be indicative of a metastasis from cancer that originated elsewhere in the body. This will mean a later stage cancer which will be treated accordingly. Symptoms of a pulmonary nodule: Pulmonary nodules are generally symptomless and you may have had a pulmonary nodule on your lung for months or years. If the nodules are cancerous, you may be experiencing symptoms related to the type of cancer in question, such as a cough and difficulties breathing. Medical tests to diagnose a pulmonary nodule: A chest x-ray or CT scan will usually indicate a pulmonary nodule, which may be performed if you have visited the doctor for respiratory symptoms or illness, such as a persistent cough. Once identified, your medical history will be assessed and whether you smoke or not. To determine if a nodule is cancerous a biopsy can be taken which can be carried out as a bronchoscopy or a needle biopsy. A PET scan may be performed to indicate whether the cells making up the nodule are dividing quickly, which would indicate cancer. Blood tests may also be carried out. What are the causes of a pulmonary nodule? Generally a benign pulmonary nodule will develop as a result of inflammation or scarring on the lungs. The following can cause this: Infections (e.g. tuberculosis) Neoplasms (abnormal growths that can be cancerous or non-cancerous) Rheumatoid arthritis Sarcoidosis Lung cancer Metastatic tumours Can pulmonary nodules be prevented? You can reduce the risk of pulmonary nodules forming by quitting smoking. Treatments for a pulmonary nodule: If the pulmonary nodule is benign, you will be advised to have regular check-ups to track any growth or change in the nodule. Sometimes a benign nodule can be removed surgically. If the pulmonary nodule is cancerous, cancer treatment will start and surgery will be considered to remove the cancerous growth. Which type of specialist treats pulmonary nodules? A pulmonary and respiratory medicine specialist would treat pulmonary nodules. ...

Pulmonary tuberculosis

  Pulmonary tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by a bacterium, mycobacterium tuberculosis, that can be acquired by inhaling water droplets from the cough or sneeze of an infected person (the so-called Koch's bacillus). Among its most frequent symptoms in an advanced state of the disease are fever, sweating, weight loss, general tiredness, cough, chest pain, and blood in the sputum. For diagnosis, it is necessary to isolate these bacilli in cultures of sputum samples or through various tests or biopsies (bronchoscopy, pleural biopsy or ganglionic biopsy). If no treatment is performed, tuberculosis causes death. The usual treatment is based on the combination of at least four drugs (Isonizide, Rifampin, Pyrazinamide and Etambutol or sometimes others) administered several times a day for an extended period of time (usually six months). Since it is a contagious disease, medical advice should be followed in regard to medication control and initial isolation to avoid a possible spread of the disease to the rest of the population. ...

Respiratory failure

Respiratory failure occurs when there is insufficient oxygen supply to the heart or when the lungs do not remove carbon dioxide from the blood. There are different diseases that cause respiratory failure.- Lung diseases like COPD, embolism, pneumonia or fibrosis.- Affections of nerves or muscles and spinal trauma, stroke or muscular dystrophy.- Injuries in the ribs- Abuse of alcohol or drugs.Treatment depends on whether the failure is short-term or chronic....

Smoking cessation (quitting)

  Smoking is the acute or chronic intoxication produced by addictive tobacco use. It presents all the characteristics of any dependence disorder generated by toxic substances, including the withdrawal syndrome that occurs when they are discontinued; in this case, nicotine. Smoking has a number of health consequences affecting the body in general: pulse and breathing disorders, diarrhoea, vomiting, vertigo, fever, cold extremities, and in very serious cases, collapse and respiratory arrest. Common diseases among smokers are: respiratory, such as laryngitis or bronchitis; Digestive disorders, such as gastritis or heartburn (hyperchlorhydria); Cardiovascular diseases, such as arteriosclerosis; and others such as angina pectoris or lung cancer. There are now numerous smoking cessation programs that include some complementary therapies, such as nicotine replacement therapy in patients with high physical dependence, or antidepressants. Smoking cessation is a therapy to stop smoking. Depending on the attitude of the individual, smoking cessation may include different treatments such as the use of pills. There are three different treatments that have been proven as effective over the years. Nicotine replacement therapy in the form of patches or gum. Bupropion: an antidepressant drug proven effective for smoking cessation. Varenicline: a drug that blocks the effects of nicotine in the nervous system by decreasing the desire to smoke. The treatment is administered for 12 weeks, although in some cases it can be extended. ...

Spirometry

  Spirometry is a painless diagnostic test that measures the volume and flow rate of air into the lungs. It is done through a specialised apparatus, a spirometer or pneumotachograph, which has a nozzle the patient must place their lips around while their nose is blocked, to prevent air from escaping.. With this test three readings are taken, and the best result of the three is used for patient assessment. There are two types of spirometry: simple spirometry and spirometry. The information obtained from each of these stress tests is different and they are usually carried out consecutively. This technique is used for early diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or to control the evolution of already treated patients. ...

Thoracic pain

Thoracic pain occurs in the front of the chest and can be a symptom of many conditions: heart disease, such as acute myocardial infarction, coronary insufficiency, or pericarditis; respiratory infections such as influenza, pneumonia; nervous disorders, such as anxiety attacks; or osteoarticular and muscular illnesses. However, the patient must bear in mind that, despite the sensation of severe chest pain, many times the causes are not dangerous to the health of the individual. Since the cause of chest pain can be multiple, to avoid any setbacks, it is essential to consult the specialist promptly to receive immediate treatment, if necessary. ...

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