Pulmonology

Pulmonology in Chennai | Orthomed Hospital

Pulmonology in Chennai, also known as chest medicine or respiratory medicine, is a medical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of respiratory and pulmonary disorders. These include diseases and conditions affecting the lungs, chest wall, airways, and blood vessels. At our hospital in Chennai, we have a team of highly qualified and experienced pulmonologists who provide comprehensive care to patients with various respiratory illnesses.

Pulmonary Conditions

Some of the most common pulmonary conditions include:

  • Asthma: It is a chronic condition that affects the airways of the lungs. The airways become inflamed and narrow, leading to wheezing, coughing, and difficulty breathing.
  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): It is a group of lung diseases that cause difficulty breathing, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. COPD is often caused by long-term exposure to irritants such as cigarette smoke.
  • Pneumonia: It is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs. The air sacs may fill with fluid or pus, causing cough, fever, and difficulty breathing.
  • Pulmonary embolism: It is a blockage in the pulmonary artery, which is the blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the lungs. Pulmonary embolism can cause sudden chest pain, shortness of breath, and even death.
  • Lung cancer: It is a type of cancer that starts in the lungs. The most common cause of lung cancer is smoking, but it can also be caused by exposure to certain chemicals or radiation.
  • Tuberculosis (TB): It is an infectious disease that mainly affects the lungs. TB is caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis and can cause coughing, fever, and weight loss.
  • Sleep apnea: It is a sleep disorder in which breathing stops and starts repeatedly during sleep. This can lead to poor quality sleep and other health problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and stroke.
  • Pulmonary fibrosis: It is a condition in which the lung tissue becomes scarred and thickened, making it difficult to breathe. It can be caused by exposure to certain chemicals or radiation, as well as by autoimmune disorders.
  • Sarcoidosis: It is an inflammatory disease that can affect multiple organs, including the lungs. In the lungs, it can cause coughing, shortness of breath, and chest pain.
  • Cystic fibrosis: It is a genetic disorder that affects the lungs and digestive system. It causes thick, sticky mucus to build up in the lungs, making it difficult to breathe and increasing the risk of infections.

Diagnosis & Treatment

The diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary conditions depend on the specific condition and its severity. However, there are some general approaches that are commonly used.

Diagnosis

  • Medical history and physical examination: Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms, past medical history, and family history. They will also conduct a physical exam to check for any abnormalities.
  • Pulmonary function tests: These tests measure how well your lungs are functioning. Spirometry is a common test that measures how much air you can inhale and exhale, and how quickly you can exhale.
  • Imaging tests: X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs can all provide detailed images of the lungs and chest, allowing doctors to identify any abnormalities.
  • Biopsy: A tissue sample may be taken from the lungs or other parts of the respiratory system to determine the cause of the problem.

Treatment

  • Medications: There are several medications used to treat respiratory conditions, including bronchodilators, corticosteroids, and antibiotics.
  • Oxygen therapy: If your oxygen levels are low, you may need oxygen therapy to help you breathe more easily.
  • Pulmonary rehabilitation: This is a program that involves exercise, breathing techniques, and education on how to manage your symptoms.
  • Bronchoscopy: A bronchoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that allows pulmonologists to examine the airways for abnormalities, collect tissue samples for biopsy, and remove any obstructions.
  • Thoracentesis: Thoracentesis is a procedure that involves the removal of fluid from the space between the lungs and chest wall, known as the pleural cavity. This procedure can help diagnose and treat conditions such as pleural effusions and pneumothorax.
  • Interventional pulmonology: Interventional pulmonology involves the use of advanced procedures such as bronchial stenting, endobronchial ultrasound, and navigational bronchoscopy to diagnose and treat complex pulmonary conditions.
  • Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove a blockage or repair damaged tissue in the lungs.
  • Lifestyle changes: Quitting smoking, avoiding triggers like air pollution or allergens, and maintaining a healthy weight can all help improve respiratory health.
  • Supportive care: In severe cases, patients may require mechanical ventilation or other forms of supportive care to help them breathe.

It is important to note that the treatment approach will vary depending on the specific condition and the severity of the symptoms. 

Surgical Interventions for Pulmonology in Chennai

Surgical interventions for lung diseases in Pulmonology in Chennai are used to treat conditions that cannot be managed effectively through medical or non-surgical interventions. Lung surgery can be performed to remove damaged or diseased tissue, as well as to treat lung cancer. Here are some of the surgical interventions commonly used in the treatment of lung diseases:

  • Lobectomy: This surgical procedure involves the removal of an entire lobe of the lung. It is usually done to treat lung cancer, as well as some other conditions that affect a single lobe of the lung.
  • Pneumonectomy: In this procedure, an entire lung is removed. It is usually done to treat advanced lung cancer, as well as some other conditions that affect both lungs.
  • Wedge resection: This surgical procedure involves the removal of a small wedge-shaped portion of the lung. It is used to diagnose or treat some lung conditions, including early-stage lung cancer.
  • Segmentectomy: This procedure involves the removal of a larger portion of the lung than a wedge resection but less than a lobectomy. It is used to treat some lung conditions, including early-stage lung cancer when the cancer is located in a specific part of the lung.
  • Pleurectomy: This is the surgical removal of the lining of the lung (pleura). It may be done to treat conditions such as mesothelioma or to prevent the buildup of fluid around the lung.
  • Lung transplant: A lung transplant involves the replacement of a damaged or diseased lung with a healthy lung from a donor. It is a treatment option for some people with advanced lung disease who have not responded to other treatments.

It is important to note that all surgeries, including Pulmonology in Chennai, carry some risk, and patients considering lung surgery should discuss the benefits and risks of the procedure with their doctor. Additionally, recovery after lung surgery can be challenging, and patients may need to spend time in the hospital and undergo rehabilitation to fully recover

At our pulmonology in Chennai, we believe in providing compassionate and personalized care to our patients. Our team of pulmonologists, respiratory therapists, and other healthcare professionals work together to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that meets the individual needs of each patient. We also provide education and support to help patients manage their respiratory conditions and improve their overall quality of life.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Pulmonology in Chennai offers specialized medical expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of respiratory and pulmonary disorders. With a dedicated team of highly qualified pulmonologists and state-of-the-art facilities, patients in Chennai can receive comprehensive care for a wide range of respiratory illnesses. Whether it’s lung diseases, chest wall conditions, airway disorders, or vascular issues, the field of pulmonology in Chennai is committed to enhancing the health and well-being of individuals, providing them with the best possible care and support for their respiratory needs.

Read also Dermatology in Chennai.