Dr. Thomas Douglas Bradley

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

Airway Diseases

• Chronic Bronchitis: Addressing long-term inflammation of the bronchi (large airways), primarily characterized by a persistent cough with mucus production.
• Bronchiectasis: Focusing on airway clearance techniques, antibiotic therapy for exacerbations, and preventing further lung damage.
• Asthma: Diagnosing and managing all forms of asthma, including allergic, non-allergic, exercise-induced, and occupational asthma, in adults and children.

Lung Infections

• Bronchitis (Acute): Treating acute inflammation of the bronchial tubes, often caused by viral infections, leading to cough and mucus.
• Pneumonia: Diagnosing and treating infections that inflame the air sacs in one or both lungs, which may fill with fluid or pus (e.g., bacterial, viral, fungal).
• Tuberculosis (Pulmonary): Respiratory assessment and follow-up for patients undergoing treatment for tuberculosis.

Interstitial Lung Diseases Ild

• Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis: Diagnosing and treating lung inflammation caused by an allergic reaction to inhaled organic dusts, molds, or chemicals.
• Other Interstitial Lung Diseases: Evaluating and managing a wide range of less common ILDs, including those associated with connective tissue diseases, drug-induced ILD, and unclassifiable ILDs.
• Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF): Specialized care for a complex form of interstitial lung disease leading to irreversible lung damage.

Pleural Diseases

• Pleural Effusion: Diagnosing the cause and managing the buildup of excess fluid in the space between the lungs and the chest wall (pleural space).
• Pneumothorax (Collapsed Lung - Follow-up Care): Providing follow-up care and management after a pneumothorax (air in the pleural space causing lung collapse) to ensure resolution and prevent recurrence.

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

• Asthma Management and Education: Comprehensive care for asthma patients, including personalized treatment plans, inhaler technique training, trigger identification, and asthma action plans.
• Pleural Effusion Management: Diagnosing the cause of pleural effusions (fluid around the lungs) and managing them, which may include therapeutic thoracentesis (fluid drainage) in an outpatient setting if appropriate.
• Inhaler Technique and Respiratory Device Training: Helping patients master the use of their respiratory equipment to improve medication delivery to the lungs.
• COPD Management and Education: Developing strategies to slow disease progression, manage flare-ups, and enhance daily functioning for COPD patients.
• Chest Imaging Interpretation: Analyzing radiological images to detect signs of infection, inflammation, tumors, or structural lung changes.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Bradley. 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. Thomas Douglas Bradley adhere to the scope of practice for Respirologists in ON and the standards of The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO).

At Dr. Thomas Douglas Bradley'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. Bradley frequently helps patients work towards outcomes such as:

• It's always a professional highlight for Dr. Bradley to see patients who were troubled by needing to manage their oxygen therapy effectively at home successfully achieve breathing more easily and feeling less short of breath during daily activities. This directly translates to their ability to return to and enjoy important activities like managing their inhalers or other respiratory medications correctly and effectively.
• The journey from concerns about a shadow or spot found on their lung X-ray or CT scan to wellness often involves Dr. Bradley's dedicated care. The milestone is early detection of lung cancer, leading to better treatment options, which opens the door back to activities such as their child being able to keep up with peers during play and sports.
• When patients discuss experiencing breathing problems related to their work environment, Dr. Bradley outlines a path to slowed progression of their chronic lung disease where possible, aiming to restore not just respiratory health but also the ability to comfortably going on outings with family and friends without constant worry about their breathing.
• Understanding the frustration coughing up blood or blood-streaked mucus can cause, Dr. Bradley tailors treatments to ensure patients achieve clear guidance on managing their condition and when to seek urgent care, allowing for renewed participation in activities like reducing their reliance on rescue inhalers due to better baseline control.

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

Dr. Bradley's practice, a respiratory clinic in Toronto, is situated in the Bay Street Corridor (Discovery District) neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near US Consulate and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Patient parking is typically available nearby or on-site.

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

Yes, Respirologists like Dr. Bradley 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. Bradley 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. Bradley?

In ON, a referral from a family doctor (GP) or another specialist is generally required to see a Respirologist like Dr. Bradley for consultations and treatments covered by provincial health plans like Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). This referral helps ensure the consultation is appropriate and that Dr. Bradley 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. Bradley covered by provincial health insurance (e.g., Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP))?

Most physician consultations and medically necessary assessments by a registered specialist Respirologist like Dr. Bradley are typically covered by provincial health plans such as Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON, 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 for patients to inquire with the clinic about any potential out-of-pocket costs and to check with their private insurance, if any.

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

The first visit with Dr. Bradley will typically involve a comprehensive respiratory assessment. This includes a detailed discussion of the patient's medical history, the nature and timeline of their current respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath, wheezing), how these symptoms impact their daily activities, smoking history, environmental exposures, and any previous treatments. Dr. Bradley 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. Bradley will discuss his diagnostic impressions, may recommend further investigations (like PFTs, sleep study, or bronchoscopy if needed), and will outline potential treatment options, working with the patient to establish health goals.

What are Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs), and why might Dr. Bradley 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. Bradley 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.

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

A Respirologist (often called a Pulmonologist) like Dr. Bradley 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 some common conditions a Respirologist like Dr. Bradley treats?

Dr. Bradley treats a wide spectrum of disorders affecting breathing and lung health, including asthma, COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis), pneumonia and other lung infections, sleep apnea, interstitial lung diseases (like pulmonary fibrosis), pleural effusions (fluid around the lungs), and is involved in the diagnosis of lung cancer.

200 Elizabeth Street
Toronto, ON, M5G 2C4

Phone: (416) 340-4719

Dr. Thomas Douglas Bradley is a licensed Respirologist in ON, regulated by The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 & Medicine Act, 1991 (Ontario).

License Number: 32135

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Bradley-Thomas-Douglas/0027312-32135

A referral from a family physician or another specialist is typically required to see Dr. Bradley. Dr. Bradley 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.