Expert Care for Optimal Sleep and Respiratory Health

Dr Julia Lachowicz

Specialist Respiratory & Sleep Physician

Are you troubled by symptoms that affect your breathing or sleep?

Whether your symptoms are new or have been troubling you for a long time, we identify the root cause and provide a tailored management approach.

Symptoms of Breathing Problems

  • These may include:

    • Shortness of breath

    • Cough

    • Phlegm or sputum

    • Chest tightness or feeling restricted

    • Wheeze

    • Chest pain

    • Reduced exercise capacity

    • A family history of breathing problems

    • Feeling triggered by dust, animals or outdoor plants

Symptoms of Sleep Problems

  • These may include:

    • Daytime sleepiness

    • Snoring

    • Fatigue

    • Difficulty falling asleep

    • Waking up overnight

    • Choking or gasping episodes during sleep

    • Low energy

    • Falling asleep when you did not intend to sleep, especially if you are at work or driving a vehicle

Aeris Lung and Sleep can diagnose, manage and optimise lung and sleep conditions

Located in Melbourne CBD, Aeris Lung and Sleep provides comprehensive care of lung and sleep disorders.

Breathing and sleep disorders can cause a wide range of symptoms and can differ greatly from person to person. We will listen to your history, perform an appropriate examination and order relevant investigations to identify the root cause of your symptoms and develop a personalised, targeted treatment plan.

We care about:

  • The impact of your symptoms on you day-to-day

  • How your symptoms affect your quality of life

  • How your individual health goals, values and preferences can guide choices

  • Giving you education and understanding - you need to be the expert about your own health

We are experienced in caring for both common and rare respiratory and sleep conditions, offering personalised treatment tailored to each person's needs

Exceptional care thrives on a collaborative approach, connecting you with your specialist, GP, allied health team, and the important people in your life who care for you.

  • We treat a range of respiratory conditions, including:

    • Asthma

    • Bronchiectasis

    • Bronchitis

    • Chest infections

    • Chronic cough

    • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

    • Emphysema

    • Pulmonary nodules

    • Pulmonary fibrosis

    • Incidental findings on chest scan

    Tests that we frequently use include:

    • Lung function testing

    • Chest imaging (CT scan or x-ray)

    • Bronchoscopy

  • Many people who experience significant difficulties with sleeping or sleepiness benefit from evaluation with a sleep study, also known as polysomnography.

    We facilitate overnight sleep studies in-laboratory or at home, following discussion about your preferences and the pattern of your symptoms. We provide options for timely access to both public and privately funded sleep studies.

    Advanced sleep studies including the multiple sleep latency test (MSLT) and maintenance of wakefulness test (MWT) are daytime sleep studies for some individuals with severe sleepiness.

  • Common sleep conditions we manage include:

    • Obstructive sleep apnoea

    • Complex sleep apnoea

    • Snoring

    • Insomnia

    • Narcolepsy

    • Hypersomnolence

    • Circadian rhythm disorder

    • Restless legs syndrome

    • Nocturnal hypoventilation

Specialist Respiratory and Sleep Physician

Dr Julia Lachowicz

MBBS FRACP | MED0001656709

Dr Julia Lachowicz is a highly qualified respiratory and sleep physician dedicated to delivering expert, patient-centred care. She completed her medical training at the University of Tasmania, graduating as dux of her class, before undertaking advanced specialist training at leading institutions, including Royal Melbourne Hospital, The Alfred, and Royal Hobart Hospital. These experiences have equipped her with extensive expertise in diagnosing and managing complex respiratory and sleep disorders.

Dr Julia maintains a broad clinical practice in general respiratory and sleep medicine. Special interests include:

  • Unexplained shortness of breath

  • All forms of pulmonary fibrosis

  • Obstructive sleep apnoea

  • The impact of chronic pain on sleep

She is actively involved in research and is currently pursuing a PhD at the University of Melbourne, focusing on novel diagnostic techniques in interstitial lung disease. Her work aims to enhance understanding and improve outcomes for patients with pulmonary fibrosis.

In addition to her private practice, Dr Julia maintains an affiliation with the Royal Melbourne Hospital, contributing to both clinical care and research. She is also passionate about medical education, mentoring the next generation of healthcare professionals, and advocating for respiratory and sleep health in the wider community.

Dr Julia is committed to providing comprehensive, evidence-based, and personalised care, ensuring each patient receives tailored treatment to optimise their respiratory health and sleep quality.

We Offer Flexible Consulting

  • Initial Consultation - Face-to-Face and Telehealth Options

    All initial consultations are 45 minutes and include discussion, examination and review of preliminary investigations. A working diagnosis is made and further testing will be arranged if required.

    Telehealth consultations are available by request. A subsequent face to face review may be recommended to facilitate physical examination or coordination of other testing.

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What is the Next Step?

If you would like more information or to organise a consultation, please contact us today.