The Pulmonology Department offers bronchoscopy services, both flexible and rigid. It has earned praise for its work in interventional bronchoscopy, especially Trans-Bronchial Needle Aspiration (TBNA)/ biopsies, endobronchial electrosurgery procedures, balloon bronchoplasty and stenting. Pleuroscopy and video assisted thoracoscopic procedures is another field of expertise of the department. The unit is also equipped with the Endobronchial Ultrasound (EBUS) facility.
These specialists diagnose and treat conditions that affect the respiratory system in men and women. Pulmonologists have expertise in the following types of respiratory disorders:
- Infectious
- Structural
- Inflammatory
- Neoplastic, which means having to do with a tumor
In some instances, this extends to the cardiovascular system. Certain conditions, such as pulmonary vascular disease, can affect the respiratory system but go on to affect other organs in the body.
A pulmonologist may work in their own office or as part of a multidisciplinary practice. They can also work in hospital settings, particularly in intensive care units.
Pulmonology is a sub-specialty of Internal Medicine that deals with the health of the respiratory tract. In particular, health of the lower airway, lungs and breathing control as well as their effect on the oxygenation of blood.
The sub-specialty is also referred to by other names such as Respiratory Medicine, Thoracic Medicine, Chest Medicine, Respirology. Pulmonology also has extensive overlap with Critical Care along with Anesthesia and Internal Medicine contributes to the core competencies in the sub-specialty. The Pulmonologists work in association with Bariatric Surgeons and ENT’s. The specialists treat breathing problems due to allergy & asthma, conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, snoring etc.