ABOUT
Gateway Centre for Respiratory and Gastrointestinal Disease offers comprehensive health care services to ensure patients' well-being. Specialist Physicians, a Special Pulmonologist and Gastroenterologist are all located under one roof.
Dr Anish Ambaram
Dr Anish Ambaram is a Specialist Physician and Pulmonologist who graduated with his medical degree from the University of Witwatersrand in 1998. He then completed his internship in 1999 at Johannesburg General Hospital. Dr Ambaram completed his community service with the Emergence Medical and Rescue Service in KwaZulu-Natal, obtaining his Diploma in Primary Emergency care in 2000. He became a Fellow of the College of Physicians of South Africa after completing post-graduate training in Internal medicine at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Dr Ambaram specialises in Pulmonology and Critical Care Medicine at Albert Luthuli Hospital and King Edward VIII Hospital in 2005 and then became a Senior Specialist Pulmonologist in 2007. From 2009 until 2014, he was promoted to Principal Specialist and Head of the Department of Pulmonology and Critical Care at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Hospital. Dr Ambaram is a member of the South African Thoracic Society (SATS) and a Fellow of the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP), as well as a member of the European Respiratory Society (ERS).
Dr Umesh Lalloo
Professor Umesh Lalloo is a pulmonologist who graduated with his medical degree from Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine in 1980. He became a member of the College of Physicians, South Africa. He became a Research Fellow in the Department of Community Health and National Centre of Occupational Health at the University of Witwatersrand. Dr Lalloo served as Honorary Senior Registrar in the Respiratory Unit at JG Strydom Hospital in 1985 before becoming a specialist and lecturer at the University of Natal and King Edward VIII hospital in 1986. Professor Lalloo became the head of the Respiratory Unit in The Medical Department of the University of Natal in 1989. He has trained ten doctors in the pulmonology speciality, two of whom have been granted international research fellowships. Professor Lalloo is dedicated to the management and treatment of TB and HIV. He remains the Director of both the Enhancing Care Foundation and KwaPhila Health Solution whilst performing his role at the Gateway Centre for Respiratory and Gastrointestinal Disease.
Dr Yusuf Moolla
Dr Yusuf Moolla obtained his medical degree in 2007 from the University of Pretoria and completed his internship at King Edward Hospital in 2009. He completed his community service in Emergency Medicine and Paediatrics at Stanger Hospital. Dr Moolla obtained his master's degree and fellowship in Internal Medicine in 2015 and specialised in HIV Management, Geriatric Medicine and Gastroenterology. Dr Moolla served as a Junior Consultant in the Department of Internal Medicine at Addington Hospital and later became the Senior Registrar in Gastroenterology at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Hospital. Dr Moolla is a specialist physician and gastroenterologist specialising in treating all common diseases but has a particular interest in the digestive system, pancreas, and liver disorders. Dr Moolla is a member of the South African Gastroenterology Society and the College of Physicians, South Africa.
Life Mount Edgecombe Hospital Address:
Suite 25, 2nd Floor, 163 Redberry Rd, Rockford, Phoenix, Durban, 4068, KwaZulu-Natal
Busamed Gateway Address:
Suite 301 Medical Centre, Busamed Gateway Private Hospital, 36-38 Aurora Drive, Umhlanga Ridge, Umhlanga, Durban, 4319, KwaZulu-Natal
Services includes :
- Pulmonology
Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition of the airways to the lungs where the airways swell, tighten, and fill with mucous, causing symptoms like coughing and chest tightness. Symptoms generally worsen when exposed to a particular trigger, and this results in an asthma attack. It can be a minor nuisance or a chronic condition that interferes with everyday life. Medications that aid in reducing inflammation in the airway can treat asthma. Treatment could also include quick-relief inhalers or bronchodilators. - Chronic Obstructive Airway Disease (COPD)
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a condition that causes inflammation to the lungs and leads to breathing difficulties. Chronic bronchitis and emphysema are the most common forms of COPD. Chronic bronchitis is where the lining of the bronchial tubes become inflamed and affect breathing. Emphysema is a condition where harmful gasses destroy bronchioles. COPD can lead to severe health conditions such as lung cancer if left untreated. Treatment could include lifestyle changes and prescribed medicine to help manage symptoms. Medications can include steroids, antibiotics, and inhalers. - Interstitial Lung Disease
Interstitial Lung Disease refers to a range of conditions that affect the lungs' interstitium and can cause scarring on the lung tissue impacting breathing ability and eventually permanent damage. Interstitial lung diseases include interstitial pneumonia, sarcoidosis, and asbestosis. These conditions can arise from viruses, bacterial lung infections, inflammation, scarring, and swelling of the interstitium lymph nodes. If left untreated, irreversible damage to the lungs can occur, and a lung transplant may be needed. The disease can lead to heart failure, lung failure, and pulmonary hypertension. Treatment includes medications, along with breathing and oxygen therapy. - Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when you stop breathing for specific periods during sleep and results from the breathing passageways becoming blocked. It is often resultant from complications with throat muscles which become relaxed during sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea can be dangerous if left untreated and can lead to heart problems and sleep disorders. Treatment for sleep apnea depends on the underlying cause and could include surgery and breathing therapy. - Pneumonia
Pneumonia is a lung infection that causes air sacks or alveoli to fill up with fluids or puss. It can be caused by fungi, bacteria, or viruses and can affect either one or both lungs at a time. Pneumonia may be severe for people with weakened immune systems, such as elderly or very young children. If left untreated, further health problems that affect breathing may occur. It can lead to bacteria entering the bloodstream or the formation of an abscess in the lung. Pneumonia can be treated with oral medications such as antibiotics, pain relievers, cough medicine, or even hospitalisation to treat more severe cases. - Gastroenterology
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a range of conditions such as ulcerative colitis and Chron's disease that cause inflammation in the digestive tract. Ulcerative colitis causes ulcers and inflammation in the colon and rectum, and Chron's disease causes inflammation in the digestive tract that can spread and cause further problems in the body. IBD can be severe and lead to life-threatening complications. Severe diarrhoea, weight loss, fatigue, and abdominal pain are characteristics of the condition. Treatment usually involves oral medications such as antibiotics, pain relievers, anti-inflammatories, and supplements. Surgery may be needed to correct ulcerative colitis and Chron's disease. - Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or spastic colon is a condition affecting the digestive system's overall health and function, particularly bowel habits. It is a condition characterised by bloating, abdominal cramping, constipation, and diarrhoea. Damage to the intestines can result from severe IBS. It can cause discomfort and affect your quality of life if left untreated. The disease can leave you feeling uncomfortable and lethargic, especially after eating certain foods. Lifestyle changes and medications - Celiac Disease
Celiac disease is a condition of the digestive system that affects the absorption of the protein gluten. The body has an immune response to gluten that prevents the protein's absorption through the digestive tract. Gluten is found in wheat, rye, and barely and enters the body through consumption. If left untreated, celiac disease can cause damage to the small intestine, ultimately leading to nutrient deficiencies. The condition can cause anaemia and injury to the nervous system in severe cases. It can also inhibit growth development and cause bone density issues in children. Celiac disease can be treated with a gluten-free diet, supplements, and medication. - Cirrhosis
Cirrhosis is a complication of liver disease that is characterised by severe scarring or fibrosis to the liver. This can negatively impact the overall function of the liver. The damage of cirrhosis cannot be reversed. It can lead to life-threatening complications such as high blood pressure, infection, malnutrition, bleeding, enlargement of the spleen, and swelling in the legs or abdomen. Cirrhosis can increase the risk of liver cancer. Treatment for cirrhosis is dependent on the severity and underlying causes. Treatment may include lifestyle changes, medication, or a liver transplant in severe cases. - Hepatitis
Hepatitis is a viral infection that causes inflammation of the liver. The liver can be inflamed by different forms of the hepatitis virus, such as hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. Each type is contracted and caused by exposure through food consumption, sexual contact, drug use (shared needles), blood, or contaminated water. Alcohol abuse can result in non-infectious hepatitis, which damages the liver. If left untreated, hepatitis may lead to liver disease, liver cancer, and cirrhosis. Hepatitis A, B, and D are preventable through a vaccine. Treatment can include bed rest and hydration but could also include long term treatment with antiviral medicines. - General Health Check-Up
Diabetes is a disease that causes high blood sugar due to the body's inability to produce or process the hormone insulin. Type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, and gestational diabetes are the different forms of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is where the immune system attacks the pancreas and affects the body's insulin production. Type 2 diabetes is when the body becomes insulin resistant and does not use the pancreas' insulin. Prediabetes is higher than normal blood sugar levels, and gestational diabetes is a temporary form of the disease that manifests during pregnancy. Diabetes is treated with insulin, lifestyle changes and other medications. - Hypertension
Hypertension or high blood pressure affects the flow of the blood through the veins. Your heart generally pumps more blood through the body, and the veins are narrower, which causes strain to the heart and affects overall health. If left untreated, high blood pressure can lead to heart failure, stroke, aneurysm, or heart attack. Treatment usually involves lifestyle changes and medications. - Cardiac Failure
The weakening of the heart muscles characterises cardiac, heart, or congestive heart failure. It is a serious health problem that can lead to complete heart failure or blood build-up in other parts of the body. Hypertension or high blood pressure can lead to the development of heart failure. Treatment includes lifestyle changes, medications, and valve repair surgery. - Sepsis
Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that results from infection. It develops when chemicals are released into the blood to fight off an infection, which effectively poisons you. It can lead to septic shock if left untreated, which is life-threatening. Sepsis can also result in death. Treatment includes strong antibiotics and other medication. If the kidneys are affected by sepsis, dialysis may be required. - Respiratory Disease
Respiratory diseases affect the ability to breathe and can lead to serious health complications. Gateway Centre for Respiratory and Gastrointestinal Diseases treats respiratory diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive airway disease, interstitial lung disease, bronchitis, pneumonia, tuberculosis, and cough. Treatment depends on the severity of the illness or condition. - Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease
Gastrointestinal and liver diseases affect the digestive system and liver function, which can have serious health complications and impact one's quality of life. Diseases that can affect the liver and digestive tract are cirrhosis, hepatitis, jaundice, abdominal pain, peptic ulcer diseases, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, diverticular disease, pancreatitis, and celiac disease. Treatment depends on the severity of the condition, and Dr Ambaram, a specialist gastroenterologist, will find the best treatment. - HIV Management
The Gateway Centre for Respiratory and Gastrointestinal Disease can help a patient who has been diagnosed with HIV or AIDS and their associated complications. HIV can be managed with healthy lifestyle practices and antiretroviral therapy (ART). - Critical Care Medicine
Critical care medicine is a treatment that deals with critically ill patients, particularly ones in ICU. Physicians at Gateway Centre for Respiratory and Gastrointestinal Disease can take care of patients who are critically ill. Life support, resuscitation, and end of life care are included in critical care medicine and treatment to help recover or come to terms with an illness. - Geriatric Care
Geriatric patients are elderly patients who may be suffering from conditions related to ageing. Mental and physical illnesses can be included in geriatric care, a specialised treatment for elderly patients. Mobility issues, vision and hearing problems, mental confusion, and diseases such as dementia are part of the many conditions that geriatric specialists can treat. - Occupational Health
Occupational health refers to the health, safety, and treatment of patients in the workspace. This treatment examines the overall health and work environment to ensure that workers are not exposed to hazardous substances and harmful activities.
