Diagnosis and Treatment

Pulmonology

Pulmonology is the branch of medicine that deals with diseases of the lungs and respiratory system. In this department, conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD),smoking addiction, pulmonary embolism, pneumonia, tuberculosis, bronchitis, allergic diseases, interstitial lung diseases, and sleep-related breathing disorders are treated. In the treatment process, pulmonologists may also communicate with other departments when necessary.

In the Pulmonology department, various diagnostic methods are used for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases, including laboratory tests, advanced radiological imaging techniques (such as computed tomography and MRI),pulmonary function tests, diffusion tests, and allergy tests. Additionally, a sleep laboratory and a bronchoscopy unit that provides advanced imaging services for diagnosing various diseases are utilized by the department's physicians.

A specialist doctor in the Pulmonology department first takes a comprehensive history from patients seeking care. They then conduct a physical examination and may request laboratory tests and radiological imaging if necessary. Once a diagnosis is made, an appropriate treatment method is determined, and treatment begins either on an outpatient or inpatient basis.

Common Diseases Treated by the Pulmonology Department

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): A progressive airway obstruction disease caused by smoking, characterized by shortness of breath, cough, and sputum production.
• Lung Cancer: Caused by uncontrolled and rapid proliferation of lung cells. Treatment includes chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and surgical methods.
• Asthma and Allergic Lung Diseases: Results from the entry of allergens into the body, leading to narrowing of the airways, increased mucus production, and symptoms such as cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, sneezing, nasal discharge, and itching.
• Chronic Coughs: Coughs lasting longer than 3 weeks, which reduce sleep quality and overall quality of life. Common causes include postnasal drip, reflux, and asthma.
• Pneumonia (Pneumonitis): An infection of the air sacs in the lungs caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi, characterized by fever, cough, sweating, chest pain, chills, and even shortness of breath. It requires prompt treatment.
• Pulmonary Embolism: A blood clot that forms in other parts of the body and travels to the lungs, blocking the pulmonary arteries and causing symptoms such as chest pain, palpitations, bloody sputum, and shortness of breath.
• Sarcoidosis: A systemic disease caused by abnormal immune system function that affects the heart, liver, spleen, brain, eyes, lymph nodes, and particularly the lungs. The exact cause is unknown. Diagnosis requires blood and urine tests, chest X-rays, and lung CT scans.
• Pleural Effusion: Excess fluid accumulation in the space between the lung linings due to various reasons. It should be considered a symptom of other diseases such as tuberculosis, lung cancer, pleural cancer, lung abscess, and pneumonia.
• Smoking-Related Diseases and Cessation Methods: Smoking has many adverse effects on health, particularly affecting the chest area. The Pulmonology department treats diseases caused by smoking and provides cessation methods for individuals who wish to quit.
• Sleep Apnea: Characterized by pauses in breathing for 10 seconds or more during sleep. Symptoms include increased daytime sleepiness and snoring. A polysomnography test conducted in a sleep laboratory evaluates respiratory effort, sleep stages, airflow, electrocardiography, electroencephalography, electromyography, arousal, and oxygen saturation to diagnose the frequency, duration, and overall impact of apnea.
• Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF): A disease seen in older adults where the walls of the alveoli (air sacs) in the lungs thicken with scar-like tissue, leading to long-term cough, shortness of breath, and fatigue. The progression of scar tissue is usually irreversible and varies from person to person. Early diagnosis can help prevent progression with medication.

What Does Pulmonology Treat?

• Respiratory infections (pneumonia, bronchitis, pleural infections)
• Acute upper respiratory infections (flu, cold, common cold)
• Chronic infections (bronchiectasis, tuberculosis, chronic bronchitis)
• Allergic rhinitis
• Diagnosis, follow-up, and treatment of asthma
• Diagnosis, follow-up, and treatment of COPD
• Early diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer
• Pulmonary embolism
• Pulmonary hypertension
• Interstitial lung diseases
• Sleep apnea
• Smoking cessation programs