Pulmonology is a branch of medicine that deals with the lungs and respiratory system. Pulmonologists are doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of lung diseases.

Sterling Hospitals is a leading multi-specialty hospital that offers a comprehensive range of pulmonology services. The hospital's team of experienced pulmonologists is dedicated to providing patients with the highest quality of care.

Conditions Treated by Pulmonologists

Pulmonologists treat a wide range of lung diseases, including:

• Asthma
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Lung cancer
• Pneumonia
• Sleep apnea
• Interstitial lung diseases
• Sarcoidosis
• Cystic fibrosis
• Immunodeficiency

Asthma: Asthma is a chronic lung condition that causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways. This makes it difficult to breathe.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): COPD is a group of lung diseases that includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema. COPD causes difficulty breathing and can be life-threatening.

Lung cancer: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in both men and women. It is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

Pneumonia: Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. It can be serious, especially in young children, older adults, and people with underlying health conditions.

Sleep apnea: Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that causes breathing to stop and start repeatedly during sleep. This can lead to daytime fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and other health problems.

Interstitial lung diseases: Interstitial lung diseases are a group of lung diseases that cause inflammation and scarring of the lungs. This makes it difficult to breathe.

Sarcoidosis: Sarcoidosis is a chronic disease that causes inflammation in different parts of the body, including the lungs. It is not fully understood what causes sarcoidosis.

Cystic fibrosis: Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that affects the lungs and other organs. It causes thick mucus to build up in the airways, which can lead to infections and other health problems.

Immunodeficiency: Immunodeficiency is a condition in which the body's immune system does not work properly. This makes it difficult for the body to fight off infections.

Pulmonology Tests and Procedures

Pulmonologists use a variety of tests and procedures to diagnose and treat lung diseases. Some of the most common tests include:

• Chest X-ray
• Computed tomography (CT) scan
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Pulmonary function tests
• Bronchoscopy
• Sleep study

Chest X-ray: A chest X-ray is a simple and painless test that uses X-rays to create images of the lungs and chest. It is often used to diagnose lung diseases, such as pneumonia, COPD, and lung cancer.

Computed tomography (CT) scan: A CT scan is a more detailed test than a chest X-ray. It uses X-rays to create detailed images of the lungs and chest. CT scans can be used to diagnose lung diseases, such as lung cancer, and to assess the severity of lung disease.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): An MRI is a test that uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of the body. MRI scans can be used to diagnose lung diseases, such as interstitial lung diseases, and to assess the severity of lung disease.

Pulmonary function tests: Pulmonary function tests are a group of tests that measure how well the lungs work. These tests can be used to diagnose lung diseases, such as asthma and COPD, and to assess the severity of lung disease.

Bronchoscopy: A bronchoscopy is a procedure that allows a doctor to look inside the airways. A thin, flexible tube with a camera is inserted through the nose or mouth and into the airways. Bronchoscopy can be used to diagnose lung diseases, such as lung cancer, and to remove foreign objects from the airways.

Sleep study: A sleep study is a test that measures how well you sleep. The test is done overnight in a sleep lab. You will be connected to a number of monitors that record your heart rate, breathing, brain waves, and other body functions. Sleep studies can be used to diagnose sleep apnea and other sleep disorders.

Treatment for Lung Diseases

The treatment for lung diseases varies depending on the underlying condition. However, some common treatments include:

Medications: There are a variety of medications available to treat lung diseases. These medications can help to control inflammation, open up the airways, and prevent infections.

These medications include:

• Bronchodilators: Bronchodilators are medications that open up the airways and make it easier to breathe.
• Corticosteroids: Corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory medications that can help to reduce inflammation in the lungs.
• Immunosuppressants: Immunosuppressants are medications that suppress the immune system. This can be helpful for people with lung diseases that are caused by an overactive immune system.
• Antibiotics: Antibiotics are used to treat lung infections.

Oxygen therapy: Oxygen therapy is used to deliver oxygen to the lungs when the body is not getting enough on its own. Oxygen therapy can be delivered through a nasal cannula, a face mask, or a portable tank.

Surgery: Surgery may be an option for some people with lung diseases. Surgery can be used to remove tumors, repair damaged airways, or improve breathing.

• Lung resection: Lung resection is the removal of part of a lung. This surgery is used to remove tumors or damaged tissue.
• Lung transplant: Lung transplant is the surgical removal of a diseased lung and its replacement with a healthy lung from a donor.

Lifestyle changes: There are a number of lifestyle changes that can help to improve lung health. These changes include quitting smoking, getting regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, and avoiding second-hand smoke.

• Quitting smoking: Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer and COPD. If you smoke, quitting is the best thing you can do for your lungs.
• Getting regular exercise: Exercise helps to keep your lungs healthy and strong. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
• Eating a healthy diet: A healthy diet includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. These foods are good for your overall health, including your lungs.
• Avoiding second-hand smoke: Second-hand smoke is just as harmful as smoking, so it's important to avoid it. If you're around someone who is smoking, ask them to smoke outside or in another room.
• Getting vaccinated against pneumonia and influenza: Pneumonia and influenza are serious lung infections that can be prevented by vaccination. Talk to your doctor about getting vaccinated.

Sterling Hospitals offers a comprehensive range of pulmonology services, including:

• Diagnosis and treatment of lung diseases
• Pulmonary function testing
• Bronchoscopy
• Sleep studies
• Oxygen therapy
• Surgery

The hospital's pulmonology department is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, including CT scanners, MRI machines, and bronchoscopes. This equipment allows pulmonologists to diagnose and treat lung diseases with the highest level of accuracy and precision.