20 • Specialist Clinics & Private Healthcare


Health, Fitness & Wellbeing - brought to you by APL Media • Wednesday 7 October 2026 ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE Respiratory disease increasing


At the end of 2024, the number of admissions to hospital for breathing difficulties increased compared to previous years1


Respiratory conditions remain a significant health concern in the UK, affecting millions of people each year. While smoking remains a significant factor in poor health outcomes, air pollution is proving to be a concern, too, resulting in an alarming seven million deaths per year globally2


. More people in the


UK are now being diagnosed with either asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) than ever before with cases of asthma increasing in children, too. Common conditions include asthma, COPD, bronchitis, pneumonia and respiratory infections such as influenza and RSV3


. While some of these illnesses are


mild and symptoms may resolve on their own or with short-term treatment, others can become serious if early symptoms are ignored. Understanding when to seek medical advice is key to preventing complications and protecting long- term lung health. Symptoms such as breathlessness,


persistent coughing, wheezing or chest tightness should never be dismissed, especially if they’re new,


worsening or interfering with daily activities. Many people delay seeking help,


assuming symptoms are due to a cold or poor air quality, but early assessment by a GP or nurse can make a significant difference. For individuals already diagnosed with asthma or COPD, flare-ups can develop quickly. Following a personalised action plan and booking an urgent review when inhalers aren’t helping is essential. Pharmacies could provide advice


for minor respiratory symptoms, while NHS 111 offers guidance when you’re unsure about how serious your condition is. Immediate medical attention — through 999 or the nearest emergency department — is needed if someone is struggling to breathe, turning blue around the lips, becoming confused or experiencing chest pain. Regular outpatient check-ups,


vaccinations, a healthy diet, avoiding smoking and reducing exposure to pollutants can all help maintain good respiratory health. Seeking medical advice promptly not only speeds up recovery but can also reduce or prevent complications, reduce hospital admissions and improve overall quality of life for people living with respiratory conditions.


For further information


Dr Angela B Jones, consultant respiratory and general physician. Respiratory clinics held at Syon Clinic, Isleworth and Cromwell Hospital, West London Cromwell Hospital. T: 07415 510585 E: laurastacey.lsh@gmail.com. Cromwell Hospital appointments: T: 020 7460 5700.


1) WWW.ASTHMAANDLUNG.ORG.UK/MEDIA/PRESS-RELEASES/EMERGENCY-ADMISSIONS-BREATHING-DIFFICULTIES-SOAR-ALMOST-HALF-MILLION 2) WHO.INT/HEALTH-TOPICS/AIR-POLLUTION 3) GOV.UK/GOVERNMENT/STATISTICS/UPDATE-OF-INDICATORS-IN-THE-RESPIRATORY-DISEASE-PROFILE-JUNE-2025/RESPIRATORY-DISEASE-PROFILE-STATISTICAL- COMMENTARY-JUNE-2025


ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE


Dr Gareth Corbett, Cambridge-based gastroenterologist


Dr Gareth Corbett is a consultant gastroenterologist who diagnoses and treats digestive conditions, with particular expertise in advanced endoscopy and complex cases


When digestive symptoms persist or a diagnosis remains unclear, knowing where to turn for specialist advice can make an important difference. Dr Gareth Corbett is a Cambridge-


based consultant gastroenterologist with particular expertise in complex


gastrointestinal conditions, advanced endoscopy and bowel cancer screening. He’s been a consultant at Addenbrooke’s Hospital since 2013 and currently leads its endoscopy services. He’s also regularly asked to provide second opinions in complex cases. His practice covers a


wide range of digestive problems, including abdominal pain, acid reflux indigestion, constipation, diarrhoea, bloating and rectal bleeding. His approach combines careful investigation with clear explanation, giving patients time to discuss symptoms and understand the options available to them. He’s able to treat conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and coeliac disease. He provides private consultations,


diagnostic procedures and treatments at the Nuffield Health Cambridge Hospital and the Spire Cambridge Lea Hospital. He has facilities across both sites to offer gastroscopy,


colonoscopy, flexible and wireless capsule endoscopy. Dr Corbett’s subspecialist


Appointments with Dr Corbett can be


booked online through Spire Healthcare or Nuffield Health


expertise includes ERCP, therapeutic endoscopy and bowel screening. He provides tertiary NHS referral services for advanced endoscopy and, during more than 13 years within the NHS Bowel Screening Programme, his colonoscopy performance has consistently exceeded national quality standards across


key measures. He also has a particular


interest in the gut microbiome


and takes an evidence-led approach to an area in which scientific understanding is developing rapidly and patients can encounter conflicting information. He offers investigation into SIBO using breath testing and can arrange both at- home and in-clinic testing for this. He can then give advice based on the latest medical evidence as to how to best manage the symptoms. Dr Corbett is a retired Royal Air Force consultant, during which time


Dr Corbett has an interest in the impact of gastrointestinal conditions on aviation and occupational health aspects


he developed interest in the impact of gastrointestinal conditions on aviation and occupational health aspects. He offers consultations to aircrew requiring specialist advice regarding their aviation medical status, particularly where this has been adversely affected by a gastrointestinal diagnosis. Alongside his clinical practice,


Dr Corbett is a regional lead for ERCP and teaches on regional and national courses. He’s also a principal investigator in clinical research and has contributed to work published in internationally recognised journals including Nature, Science and The Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology. Away from medicine, Dr Corbett


enjoys travel, playing guitar and building Lego.


For further information Visit: drgarethcorbett.com


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