What is pulmonology?

Pulmonology is a specialised field within internal medicine that focuses on diagnosing and treating respiratory system diseases, including those of the nose, sinuses, throat, voice box, windpipe, bronchial tubes, lungs, and diaphragm. It plays a vital role in managing acute and chronic conditions such as asthma, pneumonia, COPD, and lung cancer.

Who is a Pulmonologist?

A pulmonologist is a physician who specialises in diseases of the lungs and respiratory tract. These specialists are trained to diagnose, treat, and manage disorders that affect breathing and lung function. Many pulmonologists further subspecialise in:

· Critical Care Pulmonology

· Sleep Medicine

· Interventional Pulmonology

· Pulmonary Oncology

They often work with other specialists such as cardiologists, thoracic surgeons, allergists, and oncologists for comprehensive care.

Conditions Treated by Pulmonologists

Pulmonologists diagnose and treat a wide range of respiratory and pulmonary diseases, including:

· Asthma

· Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

· Emphysema

· Bronchitis & Bronchiectasis

· Tuberculosis

· Lung cancer

· Pulmonary hypertension

· Interstitial lung disease

· Cystic fibrosis

· Sleep apnea

· Sarcoidosis

· Asbestosis, silicosis & occupational lung diseases

· Long COVID and post-viral respiratory issues

Common Symptoms Requiring a Pulmonologist

You should consult a pulmonologist if you experience:

· Persistent cough (chronic cough)

· Wheezing or breathing difficulty

· Shortness of breath, especially during physical activity

· Chest tightness or pain

· Sleep disturbances from breathing issues (e.g., sleep apnea)

· Recurrent bronchitis, pneumonia, or colds impacting the lungs

· Fatigue or dizziness related to oxygen deficiency

Pulmonology Procedures and Treatments

Pulmonologists use various advanced procedures and therapies to diagnose and treat lung conditions. Some of the most common include:

Diagnostic Procedures

· Bronchoscopy & Endobronchial Ultrasound (EBUS): Allows direct visualisation of airways and lung tissue.

· Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs): Assess lung capacity and airflow.

· CT Scans & Chest X-rays: Help detect infections, tumours, or structural abnormalities.

· Right Heart Catheterisation (RHC): Measures pressure in the heart and lung arteries.

· Sleep Studies: Diagnose sleep apnea and other nocturnal breathing disorders.

· Sputum Culture & Lung Biopsy: Identify infections or cancerous tissue.

Therapeutic & Surgical Interventions

· High Flow Oxygen Therapy: For patients with respiratory distress.

· Non-Invasive Ventilation (NIV): Supports breathing without intubation.

· Chest Drain: Removes air, blood, or fluid from the pleural space.

· Pleurodesis: Seals the lung to the chest wall to prevent fluid accumulation.

· Pulmonary Angiogram & Endarterectomy: Treats clots in the lung arteries.

· Bullectomy & Wedge Resection: Removes damaged or diseased lung sections.

· VATS Lobectomy: Minimally invasive lung lobe removal.

· Lung Transplant: For end-stage lung disease.

When Should You See a Pulmonologist?

You should see a pulmonologist if:

· You are experiencing chronic or severe respiratory symptoms.

· Your general physician recommends specialised testing.

· You have been diagnosed with a lung disease requiring long-term management.

· You're at high risk due to smoking history, environmental exposure, or genetic disorders.

· You are facing complications from another condition (e.g., heart disease affecting the lungs).

· You are seeking a second opinion on a respiratory diagnosis or treatment plan.

Pulmonology Services at Medassure

At Medassure, we connect patients with India’s leading pulmonologists at top-tier hospitals specialising in respiratory care. Our services are designed to provide:

· Expert diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of lung and respiratory conditions

· Access to advanced procedures like bronchoscopy, pulmonary function tests, and VATS

· Specialised care for asthma, COPD, lung infections, and pulmonary hypertension

· Compassionate, personalised treatment for both acute and chronic respiratory diseases

· Seamless coordination of care for international and domestic patients

Why Trust Medassure for Lung and Respiratory Care?

Whether you are dealing with a chronic cough, breathlessness, sleep apnea, or a serious lung disease, Medassure ensures you receive an accurate diagnosis and world-class treatment from expert pulmonologists. We support you at every step from your first consultation through to treatment, recovery, and ongoing care.