Pulmonology (Lungs Care)
Treatment in India
Pulmonology is a field of medicine dedicated solely to the respiratory system’s well-being. This intricate system comprises various organs pivotal for the breathing mechanism. A specialised medical professional pulmonologist focuses on identifying and treating respiratory conditions. Among the human respiratory system are the lungs, alongside several supporting organs and tissues that work towards facilitating breathing functions. Numerous pulmonologists serve as critical care physicians, offering specialised attention to patients in intensive care units, especially those reliant on mechanical breathing aids for survival.
Renowned Pulmonologist
at Wockhardt Hospitals
Common Pulmonology Diseases
- Asthma: Respiratory distress and wheezing arise from persistent inflammation and potential spasms in your air passages. Factors such as infections, allergies, and environmental pollutants exacerbate asthma symptoms.
- Pneumonia: Among the most prevalent airway infections is pneumonia, a lung ailment triggered by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. It induces symptoms such as coughing and breathing difficulties as the air sacs become inundated, leading to inflammation and fluid accumulation.
- Bronchiectasis: Characterized by permanent dilation and inflammation of the airways, bronchiectasis undermines respiratory function and predisposes individuals to recurrent infections.
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): This lung disease impedes normal exhalation, resulting in breathing difficulties.
- Pulmonary Fibrosis:In pulmonary fibrosis, lung tissues progressively give way to scar tissue, increasing vulnerability to respiratory issues like breathlessness and compromised lung function can occur after any infection or auto immune.
- Interstitial Lung Diseases: Manifesting as inflammation and scarring in the interstitial spaces, this condition complicates breathing and can present as progressive breathlessness.
- Lung Cancer: Lung cancer entails the rapid proliferation of abnormal lung cells, presenting symptoms such as fatigue, weight loss, chest pain, and persistent coughing.
- Cystic Fibrosis: An inherited disorder affecting both the digestive and respiratory systems, cystic fibrosis produces thick, sticky mucus that obstructs airways and predisposes individuals to lung infections.
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): OSA disrupts sleep quality and causes daytime fatigue due to repeated breathing interruptions during sleep.
- Tuberculosis (TB): Tuberculosis, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria, primarily affects the lungs and manifests symptoms like prolonged cough, fever, night sweats, and weight loss.
- Pulmonary Embolism: When a blood clot dislodges and travels to the lungs, obstructing blood flow, it leads to pulmonary embolism. Symptoms may include sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, and coughing up blood.
Diagnosis for Pulmonology Diseases
- Chest X-Rays: Chest X-rays remain a widely used imaging modality to assess lung anatomy and detect anomalies such as infections, tumours, and pneumonia.
- Pulmonary Function Assessment: Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) evaluate lung performance by measuring airflow and capacity. This data is pivotal in diagnosing conditions like COPD, asthma, and restrictive lung disorders.
- Computed Tomography (CT) Imaging: CT scans offer detailed cross-sectional views of the chest, aiding in identifying lung nodules, pulmonary embolisms, and interstitial lung disorders and parenchymal disease.
- Chest X-Rays: Chest X-rays remain a widely used imaging modality to assess lung anatomy and detect anomalies such as infections, tumours, and pneumonia.
- Aerial Blood gas: Blood tests measure carbon dioxide and oxygen levels.
- Blood test: identify inflammatory markers, or detect specific antibodies associated with various lung disorders.
- Bronchoscopic Examination: Bronchoscopy involves inserting a flexible tube equipped with a camera into the airways to visualize lung structures and procure samples for culture or biopsy.
- Sputum Analysis: Collecting and examining sputum samples helps determine the presence of infectious agents like bacteria or fungi.
- Sleep Evaluation: Polysomnography, or sleep studies, monitor breathing patterns during sleep, particularly in suspected cases of sleep-related breathing disorders like sleep apnea.
- Nitric Oxide Test: Elevated levels of nitric oxide in breath samples are indicative of inflammation, aiding in the diagnosis of conditions such as asthma.
Who is the Right Candidate
For Clinical Pulmonology?
If a person exhibits any of the symptoms described below at different stages, they may be required to receive pulmonology treatment for lung conditions:
Early Symptoms
- Occasional shortness of breath, usually following physical activity
- Persistent cough (maybe mild)
- Frequent need to clean throat
- A lack of energy
- Fatigue
- Breathing difficulties
- Wheezing or loud, higher-pitched breathing while exhaling
- Tightness in the chest
- Weight Loss
- Chronic coughing (mucus-free or with)
- Recurrent colds and influenza
- Need to clear mucus every day
- Foot, ankle, and leg swelling
- Blood in sputum
- Bluish or greyish lips or fingernails (caused by low blood oxygen levels)
- Breathing difficulties
- Feeling lightheaded or dizzy
- Unable to talk
- Increased heart rate
- Blood in sputum
For individuals who have already been diagnosed with a lung condition, it’s best to go for regular check-ups.
Types of Treatment Procedures/Approaches
at the Pulmonology Unit
Chest and respiratory disorders can be treated using various techniques, from conservative pulmonology medicine to complex surgery. After evaluating the patient’s condition, the doctor will determine the appropriate course of treatment based on their current health. Standard treatment approaches include:
- Bronchodilators: Expands airways in conditions like asthma or COPD
- Steroids: Diminish inflammation in conditions such as asthma or interstitial lung diseases.
- Antibiotics/Antifungals: Combat respiratory infections.
Oxygen Therapy
This treatment is employed when blood lacks sufficient oxygen, providing the lungs with additional oxygen. Oxygen therapy significantly improves quality of life and maintains the body’s oxygen balance. It is often recommended alongside medication for patients with moderate to severe COPD or other respiratory disorders.
For severe conditions like emphysema, surgery may be an option. Surgical procedures include:
- Lung Volume Reduction Surgery: Removal of diseased lung tissue from the upper lungs to create space for healthy tissue growth, enhancing survival time and diaphragm function.
- Bullectomy: Elimination of large air gaps (bullae) in the lungs resulting from air sac wall destruction, which can lead to respiratory issues if left untreated.
- Antibiotics/Antifungals: Combat respiratory infections.
Both invasive and non-invasive methods are available:
- Invasive Ventilation: Positive ventilation is administered via an endotracheal or tracheostomy tube.
- Non-Invasive Ventilation (NIV): Ventilatory support provided through a mask or similar device placed over the patient's upper airway.
Pulmonary Rehabilitation Programme
Post-therapy rehabilitation is essential for maintaining respiratory health. Pulmonary rehabilitation programs are tailored to individual needs, offering a combination of education, exercise, training, dietary advice, and counselling to enhance patients’ quality of life and adapt to their specific medical conditions.
Wockhardt Hospitals provide the following facilities in their Department of Pulmonology:
- Outpatient clinics for the diagnosis and treatment of various lung diseases.
- Inpatient hospital services for the examination and treatment of different lung disorders.
- Respiratory Critical Care - Emergency and intensive care services for critically ill patients.
- Laboratory for Pulmonary Function testing
- Laboratory investigation of blood (blood tests), ABG (Arterial Blood Gas)
- Fully functional ICU with both non-invasive and invasive ventilators.
- Sleep laboratory for polysomnography studies and CPAP titration in diagnosing sleep disorders.
- Modernised and tech-enabled radiology department for guided operations.
- Fiberscope bronchoscopy for diagnostic and thereafter c purpose.
- Programmes for pulmonary rehabilitation in collaboration with the Department of Physiotherapy.
Why Choose Wockhardt Hospitals
for Pulmonology Treatment?
Wockhardt Hospitals stands out as a premier destination for pulmonology care in India. Our dedicated team of Pulmonologists specializes in treating various lung disorders, including respiratory issues and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD). Tailored pulmonology treatment plans are offered to address your specific condition and restore your well-being. These plans encompass medications, therapeutic interventions, and comprehensive pulmonary rehabilitation programs. We uphold international standards of healthcare excellence while ensuring accessibility, making top-quality care accessible to a broader spectrum of patients.
FAQs on Pulmonology
Q. When should a person consult a pulmonologist?
For individuals experiencing recurrent respiratory infections, shortness of breath, chest pain, or chronic cough, seeking guidance from a pulmonologist is strongly recommended.
Q. Which diseases do pulmonologists often treat?
Pulmonologists are equipped to manage various conditions such as asthma, COPD, pneumonia, lung cancer, pulmonary fibrosis, and tuberculosis.
Q. Can a pulmonologist treat chest pain?
Yes, pulmonologists specialise in lung-related issues and managing chest pain. They are adept at diagnosing and treating respiratory conditions, making them the go-to specialists for patients experiencing breathing difficulties alongside persistent cough.
Q. What treatments are available for chronic respiratory diseases?
Treatment strategies often include medications such as bronchodilators, steroids, oxygen therapy, and participation in pulmonary rehabilitation programs, all aimed at controlling symptoms and improving lung function.
Q. Is it possible to recover from respiratory disease?
Recovery from respiratory diseases varies depending on the severity of the condition and individual health factors. While some acute ailments may resolve with proper treatment and rest, chronic conditions like COPD or asthma may require ongoing management to control symptoms and improve quality of life. Early diagnosis, adherence to treatment regimens, lifestyle modifications, and consistent medical supervision are pivotal in enhancing recovery outcomes and overall well-being for individuals with respiratory conditions.
