The Respiratory Medicine Department, also known as Pulmonology, specializes in diagnosing, treating, and managing diseases and disorders of the respiratory system, which includes the lungs and airways. This department is staffed by a team of pulmonologists, respiratory therapists, nurses, and other healthcare professionals dedicated to providing comprehensive care for patients with respiratory conditions.
Diagnosis and Management of Respiratory Disorders
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Management of COPD, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema, through medications, pulmonary rehabilitation, and oxygen therapy.
- Asthma: Diagnosis and treatment of asthma, focusing on controlling symptoms, preventing attacks, and improving lung function through inhalers, medications, and lifestyle modifications.
- Pneumonia: Treatment of bacterial, viral, and fungal pneumonia with appropriate antibiotics, antiviral medications, and supportive care to manage symptoms and prevent complications.
- Lung Cancer: Early detection and management of lung cancer through diagnostic imaging, biopsies, and collaboration with oncologists for treatment planning, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.
- Pulmonary Fibrosis: Management of pulmonary fibrosis, a condition characterized by scarring of the lung tissue, through medications, oxygen therapy, and, in severe cases, lung transplantation.
Specialized Procedures and Interventions
- Bronchoscopy: A minimally invasive procedure that allows pulmonologists to examine the airways, collect tissue samples, and perform therapeutic interventions such as removing obstructions or treating bleeding.
- Thoracentesis: A procedure to remove excess fluid from the pleural space surrounding the lungs, which can relieve symptoms like shortness of breath and aid in diagnosing underlying conditions.
- Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs): Non-invasive tests that measure lung capacity, airflow, and gas exchange to diagnose and monitor respiratory conditions such as asthma, COPD, and restrictive lung diseases.
- Sleep Studies: Evaluation and treatment of sleep-related breathing disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnoea, using overnight sleep studies (polysomnography) and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy.
- Smoking Cessation Programs: Comprehensive programs to help patients quit smoking, including counselling, medications, and support groups, to reduce the risk of respiratory diseases and improve lung health.
Acute Respiratory Care
- Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS): Management of ARDS, a severe lung condition that leads to low blood oxygen levels, through mechanical ventilation, oxygen therapy, and supportive care in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
- Respiratory Failure: Treatment of acute and chronic respiratory failure with mechanical ventilation, non-invasive ventilation (NIV), and supplemental oxygen to support breathing and maintain adequate oxygen levels.
- Pulmonary Embolism: Diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary embolism, a condition where a blood clot blocks an artery in the lungs, through anticoagulation therapy, thrombolysis, or surgical intervention if necessary.
Chronic Respiratory Disease Management
- Long-term Oxygen Therapy: Providing patients with chronic respiratory diseases, such as COPD or pulmonary fibrosis, with long-term oxygen therapy to improve quality of life and reduce complications.
- Pulmonary Rehabilitation: A comprehensive program that includes exercise, education, and support to help patients with chronic respiratory diseases improve their physical fitness and manage symptoms effectively.
- Allergic Respiratory Conditions: Diagnosis and management of allergic respiratory conditions, such as allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma, through medications, allergen avoidance, and immunotherapy.
Multidisciplinary Care and Collaboration
- Collaboration with Thoracic Surgeons: Working closely with thoracic surgeons to provide pre-operative and post-operative care for patients undergoing lung surgeries, such as lobectomy, pneumonectomy, or lung transplantation.
- Integrated Care for Comorbid Conditions: Coordinating care with cardiologists, rheumatologists, and other specialists to manage comorbid conditions, such as pulmonary hypertension or autoimmune-related lung diseases.
- Patient Education and Support: Providing education to patients and their families about their respiratory conditions, treatment options, and self-management strategies to improve outcomes and quality of life.
