What is Asthma?

Frequently Asked Questions

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 allergens, viruses and other triggers. With enough inflammation symptoms of cough, wheeze, chest tightness and breathlessness are provoked. Even when no symptoms are present there may be significant airways inflammation.

Australia has one of the highest rates of asthma in the world; approximately 15% of our population is affected.

For the vast majority of patients asthma can be well controlled with simple, safe medications that are taken regularly. A small proportion of people have more severe asthma that requires additional medications and specialist management.

Dr Adrian Chazan

MBBS MELB FRACP

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 Moayed Alawami

MBChB FRACP MBioStat

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.