Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that is characterised by persistent inflammation of the lower airways within the lungs. There are subtypes of asthma but In most cases it is an allergic disorder. The degree of airways inflammation fluctuates according to various factors, e.g. exposure to all...
On the evening of Monday 21 November 2016, Melbourne experienced the largest ever recorded “Thunderstorm Asthma” event. After a particularly hot day a dramatic cool change arrived with thunderstorm activity and strong westerly winds. Within a short period many thousands of people across Melbourne...
There is good evidence that those who were taking inhaled corticosteroid for their asthma prior to 21 November 2016 were protected. As a general principle it is important that asthma is adequately controlled with appropriate (usually inhaled) medication. Those who have been diagnosed with asthma shou...
The people affected by the Thunderstorm Asthma event were allergic to rye grass pollen. Early in the Spring of 2016 rainfall was above average and grasses grew longer than usual. In November, at the peak of the hay fever season, large amounts of pollen were present in and around Melbourne. On 2...
Many processes in our bodies follow a daily ("circadian") rhythm, including sleep/wake cycles. If we alter the usual times when we are active and when we sleep, e.g. working night shift or travelling overseas to a different time zone, it is common to experience difficulty sleeping. If you are s...
Patients with IH do not experience cataplexy, sleep paralysis or hypnagogic hallucinations. They wake in the morning feeling tired and drowsy, and it can take several hours before feeling alert. They feel extremely sleepy and the need to take naps during the day is almost overwhelming. It is co...
Symptoms that may occur in narcolepsy (but not always):
Narcolepsy and idiopathic hypersomnia (IH) are relatively uncommon sleep disorders. They are similar to each other - both are characterised by excessive daytime sleepiness. Distinguishing the two conditions can be quite difficult and requires the expertise of a sleep physician.
Oral devices such as the mandibular advancement splint (pictured) may be a good alternative where CPAP is not appropriate or poorly tolerated. It is a custom-fitted device that is worn during sleep. It consists of upper and lower pieces that fit over the teeth, joined by a hinge. The effect of the...
A sleep study is an overnight test designed to gather information about your sleep as part of a complete assessment. Sleep studies performed in a hospital laboratory are the gold standard test and the most accurate type of study. Home-based studies may be appropriate in certain circumstances. Duri...
It is important that sleep apnoea treatment is tailored to your particular characteristics including the severity of your OSA. Weight loss is often an important component of treatment, and it may be all that is needed. Other forms of treatment include:
Unfortunately, those with moderate to severe OSA have a reduced life expectancy. They have a significantly higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease (including ischaemic heart disease and stroke). OSA contributes to the risk of developing diabetes and, for those who are diabetic, OSA worsens c...
It is important that sleep apnoea treatment is tailored to your particular characteristics including the severity of your OSA. Weight loss is often an important component of treatment, and it may be all that is needed. Other forms of treatment include:
Unfortunately, those with moderate to severe OSA have a reduced life expectancy. They have a significantly higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease (including ischaemic heart disease and stroke). OSA contributes to the risk of developing diabetes and, for those who are diabetic, OSA worsens c...
It is important that CPAP treatment is prescribed and directed by your sleep physician with regular review. A good CPAP therapy retailer will help you with mask fit and adjustment, and provide support especially during the first month of treatment. It is desirable to meet with the retailer several...
OSA is extremely common. In the United States, 25% of men and 10% of women are affected; estimates are similar in Australia. About 5% of the adult population has OSA of a severity that poses a significant threat to health. The condition is characterised by snoring and repetitive blockage of the up...
Presence of the following make a diagnosis of OSA more likely:
CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) is a highly effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnoea. It involves wearing a mask on the face that is connected to a small machine. The machine acts as an "air pump", delivering pressurised air through the mask, preventing upper airway collapse and o...
Dr Chazan is a Respiratory & Sleep Physician, and General Physician. Born in Melbourne, he undertook his basic medical training at the University of Melbourne. With a passion for sleep and breathing, he trained at world-renowned centres of excellence in Melbourne and Sydney, including Westmead Hospital, the Alfred Hospital and Monash Medical Centre. Adrian has been involved in research activities in the fields of sleep apnoea, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and exercise physiology.
Adrian utilises the latest findings in sleep research as well as the emerging technologies in diagnosis and treatment. He takes a patient-centered approach to medical care with the aim of empowering his patients to achieve better sleep and optimal long-term health outcomes.
Dr Alawami earned his medical degree from The University of Auckland, embarking on a diverse medical journey across New Zealand’s two islands during his foundational physician training. Driven by a passion for solving medical puzzles, he pursued advanced training in general medicine with a subspecialty focus on respiratory medicine.
In 2018, Dr Alawami transitioned to Queensland, where he worked in one of the largest hospitals, the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital. At the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, he served as a registrar in a dedicated Covid Unit. Seeking to enhance his skills, he relocated to Adelaide to specialize in bronchoscopy, focusing on linear and radial EBUS to advance the diagnosis of patients with lung tumours.
Currently serving as a Sleep Medicine Fellow at Western Health and now at The Centre for Sleep and Pulmonary Medicine, he is involved in teaching and training of medical students and basic physician trainees.
Dr Alawami’s achievements include receiving a Professional Development Grant from RACP Queensland. Notably, he was nominated for Registrar of the Year at RBWH. Dr Alawami holds a master’s degree in Biostatistics from The University of Queensland and published over 10 scientific articles as a trainee.
Dr Alawami invites referrals related to respiratory and sleep disorders medicine, addressing concerns such as cough, asthma, COPD, lung nodules, dyspnoea, sleep apnoea and other sleep-related problems, providing comprehensive investigation and expert care.
Dr Alawami speaks both English and Arabic.
Consulting in Werribee weekly and in Shepparton monthly.