Pulmonology, Allergy & Sleep Medicine

The Pulmonology Department at SSB Heart and Multispecialty Hospital is dedicated to providing thorough assessment. We care for a wide range of ailments related to the lungs and respiratory system. Our team of experienced doctors specialises in diagnosis, treatment, and care for various chest and respiratory tract conditions. We ensure that our patients receive the highest level of medical expertise and tailored care.

One of the key strengths of our Pulmonology Department is its expertise in managing allergies and sleep-related disorders. This is in addition to a range of respiratory conditions. Allergies affecting the respiratory system can notably impact a person’s quality of life. It causes wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and nasal congestion. Our specialists conduct thorough reviews to identify allergens and provide appropriate treatments. This includes allergy testing, immunotherapy, and medication management. They even offer guidance on allergen avoidance strategies. This helps patients manage their condition effectively.

Furthermore, our Pulmonology Department excels in the field of sleep medicine. They address various sleep-related disorders that can have significant health implications. Sleep disorders can disrupt sleep patterns. They can lead to daytime fatigue, cognitive impairment, and increased risk of other medical conditions. Our sleep specialists conduct exhaustive sleep studies. This includes sleep study and home sleep apnea testing. This helps to diagnose and develop tailored treatment plans to improve your sleep quality and overall well-being.

In addition to allergies and sleep medicine, the Pulmonology Department at SSB Hospital offers expertise in the diagnosis and management of a variety of respiratory conditions. This includes but is not limited to:

Asthma:

A chronic inflammatory condition of the airways. It can cause recurrent episodes of wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. Our specialists provide tailored asthma management plans. This includes education on triggers, medication management, and lifestyle adjustments. This helps patients achieve optimal asthma control.

TB and Multi-Drug-Resistant (MDR) Cases:

Our team is skilled in the diagnosis and treatment of TB. This includes MDR-TB cases that require specialised care and expansive coordination for effective management.

Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD):

A group of lung disorders characterised by inflammation and scarring of the lung tissue. Our specialists conduct thorough studies. This includes pulmonary function tests (PFTs) and imaging studies. They collaborate with other specialists as needed to provide unique treatment plans for ILD patients.

Autoimmune Disorders:

Autoimmune-related pulmonary diseases require specialised care and management. Our Pulmonology Department works closely with rheumatologists and other specialists. To ensure extensive care is provided for patients with autoimmune respiratory disorders.

Chronic Bronchitis / Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) / Emphysema:

Chronic respiratory conditions are characterised by airflow limitation, cough, and mucus production. Our specialists offer exclusive treatment plans. These plans include smoking cessation support and bronchodilator therapy. This further includes pulmonary rehab and oxygen therapy. They are done to improve symptoms and quality of life for COPD and emphysema patients.

Pneumonia:

Infections of the lungs can range from mild to severe. And many may require hospitalisation. Our Pulmonology Department provides timely diagnosis and antibiotic therapy. Along with supportive care and follow-up to ensure optimal recovery for pneumonia patients.

Lung Cancer:

Our team collaborates with oncologists and radiologists to provide exhaustive care for patients with lung cancer. This includes diagnosis, staging, treatment planning, and supportive care services.

Pleural Diseases:

Conditions affecting the pleura, such as collection of fluid in the pleural space and collapsed lung pleural effusion. Our specialists perform procedures such as thoracentesis, pleural biopsy, and chest tube insertion. Whenever necessary, to diagnose and manage pleural diseases effectively.

The Pulmonology Department also offers advanced procedures such as video-assisted bronchoscopy. This allows for direct visualisation of the airways. It also aids in the sampling of lung tissue for diagnostic purposes. Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) are conducted at regular intervals to assess lung function. They also help monitor disease progression and evaluate treatment success for respiratory conditions.

Who all are more prone to pulmonology diseases?

Several factors can contribute to a person’s risk of developing pulmonary diseases. Here are some key groups that are more prone to such conditions:

Smokers:

Tobacco smoke is a plays a role in various pulmonary diseases. This includes but is not limited to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer, and respiratory infections.

Job-related Exposure:

Certain occupations, such as mining, construction, agriculture, etc., expose workers to hazardous substances. These include substances like asbestos, silica, coal dust, and chemicals. Prolonged exposure to these hazardous substances can increase the risk of job-related lung diseases.

Age:

Advanced age is a risk factor for pulmonary diseases. This is especially true for conditions like COPD, pneumonia, and lung cancer. Ageing is related to changes in lung structure and function and decreased immune function. It is also linked with an increased likelihood of getting respiratory infections and chronic lung conditions.

Genetics:

Genetic factors play a huge role in the development of certain pulmonary diseases. A family history of lung diseases can also be a factor. This factor contributes to a person’s likelihood of respiratory conditions.

Environmental Factors:

Exposure to environmental pollutants and indoor air pollutants, such as air pollution, secondhand smoke, etc., can increase the risk of respiratory infections, asthma, COPD, and other lung diseases. Poor air quality is one of the significant public health concerns globally.

Immune System Disorders:

Autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and scleroderma can affect the lungs. They can lead to interstitial lung disease (ILD). They can even lead to pulmonary fibrosis and other immune-related pulmonary disorders. People possessing compromised immune systems are also at increased risk of respiratory infections.

Chronic Medical Conditions:

People with chronic medical conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, etc., are more susceptible to pulmonary problems and respiratory illnesses. These conditions can weaken lung function and the immune system too. They can further increase the risk of respiratory infections and aggravations of underlying lung diseases.

Lifestyle Factors:

Unhealthy lifestyle habits can negatively impact lung health. And it can contribute to the development or aggravation of pulmonary diseases. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is a good way to preserve lung function. And reducing the risk of respiratory conditions.

What are some of the common symptoms of pulmonology diseases?

Common symptoms of pulmonary diseases can vary depending on the specific condition but may include:

Cough:

Persistent coughing is a common symptom of many pulmonary diseases. This includes such as chronic bronchitis, pneumonia, and lung cancer. The cough may produce mucus or blood in some cases.

Shortness of Breath:

Difficulty in breathing, even during light activity, can be a sign of various lung conditions. This includes asthma, COPD, pulmonary embolism, and interstitial lung disease. The severity of your shortness of breath can range from mild to severe.

Wheezing:

Wheezing is a high-pitched whistling sound typically heard during breathing. It is often related to conditions like asthma, COPD, bronchitis, and allergies. It occurs due to narrowed airways or inflammation in the lungs.

Chest Pain:

Chest discomfort or pain can occur in pulmonary diseases such as pneumonia, lung cancer, etc. The pain may be sharp, stabbing, or dull and may worsen with breathing or coughing.

Fatigue:

Feeling strangely tired, weak, or fatigued despite adequate rest can be a symptom of lung disease. They affect oxygen circulation and breathing function.

Fever:

Fever is a highly common symptom of respiratory infections like pneumonia, bronchitis, and TB. It indicates the body’s immune response to infection and inflammation in the lungs.

Sputum Production:

Excessive production of sputum (phlegm or mucus) that may be yellow, green, or bloody can occur in conditions such as chronic bronchitis, pneumonia, bronchiectasis, and lung abscesses.

Cyanosis:

Bluish discolouration of the lips, skin, or nail beds due to low oxygen levels in the blood is a serious symptom. It is seen in advanced lung diseases, respiratory failure, and certain congenital heart defects affecting lung circulation.

Swelling in Legs or Feet:

Edema (swelling) in the lower extremities can be a sign of various conditions. This includes pulmonary hypertension, heart failure, or chronic lung diseases. They cause fluid retention and impaired circulation.

Clubbing of Fingers:

Clubbing is a deformity of the fingers and nails. It is characterised by enlargement and rounding of the fingertips. It can be connected with chronic lung diseases like interstitial lung disease, bronchiectasis, and lung cancer.

Services offered by the Pulmonology department at SSB:

The Pulmonology Department administers the following pulmonary function tests :

• PFT Lab (PFT, FENO, 6MWT, DLCO)

• Video-Assisted Bronchoscopy

• Interventional Pulmonology (Bronchoscopy, EBUS, Thoracoscopy, Tracheal Stenting, FB removal)

• Allergen Immunotherapy

• Allergy Clinic

FAQs

What is pulmonology?

Pulmonology is a medical speciality focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of diseases and disorders of the respiratory system. This includes the lungs, airways, and muscles that support breathing.

What conditions does a pulmonologist treat?

A pulmonologist treats a wide range of respiratory conditions. This includes asthma, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), and pneumonia. This also includes bronchitis, lung cancer, pulmonary hypertension, and sleep-related breathing disorders.

What are the common symptoms of respiratory allergies?

Common symptoms of respiratory allergies include sneezing and runny or stuffy nose. It may also include itchy or watery eyes, coughing, postnasal drip, and nasal congestion. These symptoms often occur seasonally. They may also occur in response to specific allergens like pollen, dust mites, pet dander, or mold.

How are allergies diagnosed?

Allergies are diagnosed through a combination of various things. This includes medical history, physical exam, allergy testing, and allergy symptom assessment. These tests help identify allergens triggering allergic reactions and guide allergy treatment plans.

What treatments are available for allergies?

Allergy treatments may include allergen avoidance strategies and medications. It may also include allergy shots for long-term allergy management. Lifestyle adjustments and environmental controls can also help reduce allergy symptoms.

What are common sleep disorders?

Common sleep disorders include obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), insomnia, and restless legs syndrome (RLS). It may also include narcolepsy, sleepwalking, night terrors, and circadian rhythm disorders. These disorders can affect sleep quality, duration, and overall well-being.