Pulmonology

The Clinical Pulmonology Unit offers its patients diagnosis and treatment of lung (pulmonary) and sleep disorders, using state-of-the-art technology supported by a team of expert pulmonary, critical care and sleep medicine specialists. Our highly experienced experts offer the best treatment solutions to the most serious and complex medical challenges related to pulmonary conditions that can affect the lungs and breathing which in turn disrupts the quality of life.

Which Conditions are Treated Under the Clinical Pulmonology Unit at BLK-Max?

Pulmonologists at BLK-Max treat a wide range of lung diseases including:

• Asthma
• Bronchitis
• Bronchiectasis
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
• Chronic Bronchitis
• Emphysema
• Occupational Lung Disease
• Asbestosis
• Byssinosis (Brown Lung Disease)
• Farmer’s Lung
• Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis
• Silicosis
• Cystic Fibrosis
• Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD)
• Lung Cancer
• Pleural Effusion
• Pneumonia
• Pneumothorax
• Pulmonary Embolism
• Pulmonary Hypertension
• Rheumatoid Lung Disease
• Sarcoidosis
• Sleep Apnea
• Tension Pneumothorax
• Tuberculosis (TB)

Who is a Right Candidate for Clinical Pulmonology?

A person might have to undergo treatment for pulmonary diseases if he/she encounters symptoms that are listed below at various stages.

Early symptoms

• Occasional shortness of breath (often after exercise)
• Recurrent cough (maybe mild)
• Need to clear your throat more often

Symptoms getting progressively worse

If the damage to the lungs is not controlled, a person might experience:

• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing (a higher pitched noisy breathing during exhalations)
• Chest tightness
• Chronic cough (with or without mucus)
• Need to clear mucus (every day)
• Frequent colds/flu
• Lack of energy

In later stages of COPD, symptoms may also include

• Fatigue
• Weight loss
• Swelling of the feet, ankles or legs

Immediate medical care is required if following symptoms are experienced

• Grey or bluish fingernails or lips (due to low oxygen levels in your blood)
• Trouble catching breath
• Not able to talk
• Dizziness / Light-headedness
• High heartbeat

What are Different Types of Treatment Procedures Under the Clinical Pulmonology Unit?

The treatment for chest and respiratory diseases may vary from a mild medication to advanced level of surgery. A doctor will examine the patient and will evaluate the treatment according to his current medical condition. The treatment procedure involves:

Medication

A doctor might prescribe a medicine that can help relax the muscles of the airways by widening it and helping the patient breath easily. These types of medicines are generally taken with the help of an inhaler or a nebulizer. Some of the most common medicines prescribed are:

• Bronchodilators
• Inhaled steroids
• Combination inhalers
• Oral steroids
• Phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitors
• Theophylline
• Antibiotics

Oxygen Therapy

This therapy is used to provide supplemental oxygen into the lungs when there is no oxygen in the blood. This therapy is very helpful in maintaining a balance of oxygen in the body and improving the quality of life. For a patient with moderate or severe COPD or other respiratory conditions, the doctor may often recommend this therapy in addition to medication.

Invasive And Non-Invasive Ventilatory Support

Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) refers to the provision of ventilatory support through the patient's upper airway using a mask or similar device whereas invasive ventilation refers to the positive ventilation applied via an endotracheal or tracheotomy tube.

Surgery

Surgery is an option for people with a very severe form of illness like emphysema. Surgical options include:

• Lung Volume Reduction Surgery: The surgery is performed to remove small wedges of damaged lung tissue from the upper lungs, thereby creating extra space in the chest cavity for the expansion of healthy tissues. This helps the diaphragm to work more efficiently and prolongs survival.
• Bullectomy: The surgery is performed to remove the large air spaces (bullae) which form in the lungs when the walls of the air sacs are destroyed. These bullae can increase in size and lead to breathing problems.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation Programme

A programme that helps the patient improve the quality of life and is tailored according to the needs of the patient. A combined approach of education, exercise, training, nutrition advice and counselling is provided to the patient according to their medical condition.

Are there any complications involved with clinical pulmonological procedures?

Some of the major risk factors associated with Clinical Pulmonological procedures include:

• Excessive bleeding
• Infection at the site of the incision
• Injury to adjacent organs
• Blood clots
• Fevers or chills
• Adverse reactions to anaesthesia
• Organ rejection
• The patient has to take immune-suppressing medications lifelong

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are there minimally invasive or robotic-assisted procedures available for pulmonary diseases in Delhi?

Yes, Delhi has hospitals that offer minimally invasive or robotic-assisted procedures for certain pulmonary diseases. Procedures such as bronchoscopy, thoracoscopy, and video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) are available in select hospitals, offering patients less invasive treatment options with faster recovery times.

2. How can I find the best pulmonology treatment in Delhi?

To find the best pulmonology treatment in Delhi, you can start by researching renowned hospitals and pulmonologists in the city. Consider factors such as their expertise, experience, patient reviews, infrastructure, and availability of advanced diagnostic and treatment facilities. Seeking recommendations from primary care physicians or trusted healthcare professionals can also be helpful.

3. What is the cost of pulmonology treatment in Delhi?

The cost of pulmonology treatment in Delhi can vary depending on the specific condition, the hospital, the required diagnostic tests and procedures, medications, and the duration of hospital stay, among other factors. It is advisable to consult with the hospital or healthcare provider for accurate cost information based on the individual case.

4. Can I receive telemedicine or online consultations for pulmonary conditions in Delhi?

Yes, telemedicine or online consultations for pulmonary conditions are available in Delhi. With the advancement of technology, many healthcare providers offer virtual consultations, allowing patients to connect with pulmonologists remotely.

5. Can pulmonary diseases be prevented through vaccination in Delhi?

Yes, certain pulmonary diseases can be prevented or reduced through vaccination. Vaccinations for diseases like influenza (flu) and pneumonia are recommended, especially for individuals with underlying respiratory conditions or those at higher risk.

6. Can lung cancer screening be performed in Delhi?

Yes, lung cancer screening can be performed in Delhi. Low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans are commonly used for early detection and screening of lung cancer in individuals at high risk, such as smokers or those with a family history. Specialized centers offer these screenings to detect lung cancer at an early stage.

7. Can interventional pulmonology procedures be performed in Delhi?

Yes, interventional pulmonology procedures are available in Delhi. These minimally invasive procedures aim to diagnose and treat various lung conditions, such as bronchoscopy, endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS), pleural procedures, and airway stenting. Specialized centers offer interventional pulmonology services for precise diagnosis and targeted treatment.