Dr. Iqbal Hussein Ahmed

As a Respirologist, Dr. Iqbal Hussein Ahmed diagnoses and manages a wide array of conditions affecting the lungs and respiratory system, including but not limited to:

Interstitial Lung Diseases Ild

• Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF): Specialized care for a complex form of interstitial lung disease leading to irreversible lung damage.
• Sarcoidosis (Pulmonary Manifestations): Treating respiratory symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath, and chest pain related to pulmonary sarcoidosis.
• Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis: Diagnosing and treating lung inflammation caused by an allergic reaction to inhaled organic dusts, molds, or chemicals.

Pleural Diseases

• Pleurisy (Pleuritis): Identifying the underlying cause, such as viral infection or autoimmune disease, and managing pain and inflammation.
• Pleural Effusion: Performing diagnostic and therapeutic thoracentesis to remove fluid and identify underlying conditions like infection, heart failure, or malignancy.

Airway Diseases

• Emphysema: Managing this lung condition where the air sacs (alveoli) are damaged and enlarged, causing breathlessness.
• Asthma: Comprehensive care for reversible airway obstruction characterized by wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath.
• Bronchiectasis: Focusing on airway clearance techniques, antibiotic therapy for exacerbations, and preventing further lung damage.

This list provides examples of conditions commonly managed. A comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan are always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Ahmed, typically following referral. If your specific concern isn't listed, please discuss with your referring physician or contact the clinic for more information.

• Comprehensive Respiratory Evaluation: In-depth consultation to diagnose lung conditions, assess breathing difficulties, and formulate a personalized management plan.
• COPD Management and Education: Providing education and support to empower individuals with COPD to actively participate in their care.
• Inhaler Technique and Respiratory Device Training: Helping patients master the use of their respiratory equipment to improve medication delivery to the lungs.
• Chest Imaging Interpretation: Collaborating with radiologists to integrate imaging findings into the overall diagnostic picture for respiratory conditions.
• Management of Pneumonia and Lung Infections: Outpatient management of appropriate respiratory infections, ensuring adequate recovery and resolution.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Ahmed. Not all services may be listed, and the suitability of any test or treatment depends on individual assessment and referral. For a comprehensive understanding or to discuss your specific medical needs, please schedule a consultation or speak with your referring physician.

All services by Dr. Iqbal Hussein Ahmed adhere to the scope of practice for Respirologists in BC and the standards of The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC).

At Dr. Iqbal Hussein Ahmed's practice, the primary aim is to work collaboratively with you to manage your respiratory condition effectively, improve your breathing, and enhance your overall quality of life. Dr. Ahmed frequently helps patients work towards outcomes such as:

• Dr. Ahmed's comprehensive care for unexplained weight loss combined with a persistent cough is meticulously designed to result in slowed progression of their chronic lung disease where possible. This allows patients to confidently resume important personal or professional activities such as concentrating better at work or school without distraction from respiratory symptoms without severe breathing worries.
• Patients frequently come to Dr. Ahmed with concerns about pain in their chest, especially when they take a deep breath or cough. By working together as a team, they typically aim for and achieve feeling more confident in managing their respiratory condition day-to-day, making a positive and lasting return to climbing a small hill or incline with improved endurance not just possible, but highly feasible.
• Managing finding it harder and harder to breathe during exercise or daily tasks effectively and proactively is a top priority for Dr. Ahmed and the medical team. The clear aim is always being able to travel or engage in hobbies that were previously limited by breathlessness, which directly helps patients get back to enjoying walking up a flight of stairs without becoming excessively breathless and their daily routines without severe respiratory hindrance.
• When patients discuss worrying about the effects of long-term smoking on their lungs, Dr. Ahmed outlines a path to better understanding of how to use their inhalers and medications correctly, aiming to restore not just respiratory health but also the ability to comfortably managing their inhalers or other respiratory medications correctly and effectively.

Your personalized treatment plan, developed in consultation with Dr. Ahmed, will be tailored to address your specific respiratory needs and health goals. Dr. Ahmed is dedicated to providing expert care and empowering patients with the knowledge and tools to achieve their best possible respiratory health.

Dr. Ahmed's respiratory clinic in Richmond is situated in the West Richmond (Terra Nova, Thompson) neighborhood, conveniently located near Richmond Centre Mall. The clinic is easily accessible via TransLink, utilizing the Canada Line SkyTrain or bus routes. Information regarding parking options can be provided when you call to book your appointment.

Can Dr. Ahmed help manage chronic conditions like asthma or COPD?

Yes, Respirologists like Dr. Ahmed are experts in the long-term management of chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma and COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis). After a thorough assessment, Dr. Ahmed develops a personalized management plan. This may include prescribing appropriate inhaler medications (relievers and controllers), educating patients on correct inhaler technique, developing action plans for flare-ups, advising on trigger avoidance, recommending smoking cessation programs, and coordinating pulmonary rehabilitation if beneficial. The goal is to optimize symptom control, reduce exacerbations, improve lung function, and enhance overall quality of life.

Do I typically need a referral to see a Respirologist (Pulmonologist) like Dr. Ahmed?

In BC, a referral from a family doctor (GP) or another specialist is generally required to see a Respirologist like Dr. Ahmed for consultations and treatments covered by provincial health plans like Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC. This referral ensures the consultation is appropriate and that Dr. Ahmed has the necessary background medical information. Speak with your primary care physician or referring doctor if you believe you need a respiratory assessment.

Are services provided by a Respirologist like Dr. Ahmed covered by provincial health insurance (e.g., Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC)?

Most physician consultations and medically necessary assessments by a registered specialist Respirologist like Dr. Ahmed are typically covered by provincial health plans such as Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC in BC, provided the patient has a valid health card and appropriate referral. Diagnostic tests like PFTs and bronchoscopies ordered by a specialist are also usually covered. However, some specific treatments, devices (e.g., CPAP machines, some specialized inhalers), or medications may not be fully covered or may have co-payments depending on provincial formularies and private insurance. It's always best to inquire with the clinic about any potential out-of-pocket costs and to check with your private insurance, if any.

What should I bring to my appointment with Dr. Ahmed?

Bring your provincial health card (e.g., Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC card), the referral letter, a list of all current medications (including dosage and frequency for prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, inhalers, and supplements), copies of relevant medical records, imaging reports (Chest X-ray, CT scans – reports are often more useful than just the images themselves initially), any previous Pulmonary Function Test (PFT) results, and a list of any questions you have. If you use inhalers, it's helpful to bring them to check technique. If being assessed for sleep apnea, a sleep diary or information from a bed partner can be useful.

What can I expect at my first appointment with Dr. Ahmed at the clinic?

The first visit will typically involve a comprehensive respiratory assessment. This includes a detailed discussion of your medical history, the nature and timeline of your current respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath, wheezing), how these symptoms impact your daily activities, smoking history, environmental exposures, and any previous treatments. Dr. Ahmed will then perform a thorough physical examination, focusing on the respiratory system (listening to the lungs, observing breathing patterns). Any prior imaging (Chest X-rays, CT scans) or test results (like PFTs) will be reviewed. Based on this evaluation, Dr. Ahmed will discuss their diagnostic impressions, may recommend further investigations (like PFTs, sleep study, or bronchoscopy if needed), and will outline potential treatment options, working with you to establish health goals.

What does a Respirologist / Pulmonologist like Dr. Ahmed do?

A Respirologist (often called a Pulmonologist) like Dr. Ahmed is a medical doctor (physician) who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and managing diseases and conditions of the lungs and respiratory system. This includes conditions like asthma, COPD (emphysema, chronic bronchitis), pneumonia, lung cancer, sleep apnea, interstitial lung diseases, and pleural diseases. Their goal is to improve respiratory health, alleviate symptoms like shortness of breath and cough, and enhance the quality of life for people with breathing problems. They use various diagnostic tools like pulmonary function tests and bronchoscopy, and treatments including medications, inhalers, oxygen therapy, and management of devices like CPAP machines.

What are Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs), and why might Dr. Ahmed recommend them?

Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) are a group of non-invasive breathing tests that measure how well the lungs are working. They assess lung volume (how much air the lungs can hold), airflow rates (how quickly air can be moved in and out), and gas exchange (how well oxygen moves from the lungs into the blood). Dr. Ahmed might recommend PFTs to help diagnose conditions like asthma, COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, or to assess the severity of a known lung disease, monitor its progression, or evaluate the effectiveness of treatment. Common PFTs include spirometry, lung volume measurement, and diffusing capacity tests.

560-6091 Gilbert Rd, Richmond Health Sciences Centre
Richmond, BC, V7C 5L9

Phone: (604) 214-0600

Dr. Iqbal Hussein Ahmed is a licensed Respirologist in BC, regulated by The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act (British Columbia).

License Number: 24782

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/312859/Ahmed%2CIqbal

A referral from a family physician or another specialist is typically required to see Dr. Ahmed. Dr. Ahmed and the team are dedicated to providing comprehensive respiratory care. If you are experiencing a medical emergency or severe difficulty breathing, please proceed to the nearest hospital emergency department or call 911.