Pulmonology is a branch of medicine that is involved with the function of the respiratory system, including the lungs and bronchial tubes. Respiratory diseases can be grouped as either obstructive (conditions that lower the rate of airflow into and out of the lungs, such as in asthma) or restrictive (conditions that cause a reduction in the functional volume of the lungs, such as in emphysema.) They can cause mild but annoying discomfort, disrupting the quality of life like a common cold, while others can be life-threatening diseases such as lung cancer.
As one of the premier hospitals in the nation, Fortis Hospital, Chennai sets the standard for innovation, quality and comprehensive care for all types of lung patients. We use the most advanced techniques in modern, patient-centered facilities to provide comprehensive consultative, diagnostic and therapeutic services for patients with illnesses that affect the lungs and breathing. Our advanced respiratory care services are designed to help patients breathe easier, for various pulmonary and respiratory conditions.
We are proud to feature a team of more than 100 highly skilled respiratory care experts who have dedicated their lives to provide compassionate care and individualized treatment plans for all lung patients. It is a dedication that is extending well beyond our hospital doors too. Our doctors offer individualized treatment plans for conditions such as asthma, sleep apnea, cystic fibrosis, pneumonia, emphysema, and chronic pulmonary obstructive disease (COPD), to name just a few.
Our team consists of highly experienced pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, respiratory therapists, occupational therapists, endoscopists, trained nurses and registered dietitians. They have a broad range of diagnostic and treatment expertise in conditions ranging from general respiratory infections and pneumonia to cancer of the lung, emphysema, pulmonary fibrosis and sleep disorders.
At their disposal are some of the most advanced technologies, therapies and treatments available to treat a broad range of lung conditions. We are equipped with modern endoscopy facilities, advanced pulmonary function laboratory apart from a dedicated sleep medicine unit. We also run programs for smoking cessation, pulmonary rehabilitation and respiratory allergies.
A hallmark of Fortis is that we encourage the active involvement of our patients. We spend time discussing the benefits and risks associated with each procedure and treatment option and encourage our patients to become as knowledgeable as possible. We strive to achieve excellence in healthcare delivery by bringing together the best of technology, medical expertise, and patient care. We lead the way, not only in our approach to healthcare but in research as well, finding new methods for treating patients to improve quality outcomes.
Conditions & Care Areas
No matter what your respiratory symptoms are or your diagnosis, we can tailor a customized plan of care that meets your needs. At Fortis, we provide the full range of diagnostic testing and state-of-the-art treatment for diseases of the nose, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi and lungs.
Upper Respiratory Infections
Lung Diseases and Disorders
Restless Legs Syndrome
Surgery
Our Diagnostic Services
Because respiratory symptoms (such as cold, cough, and bronchitis) may be associated with different diseases, your doctor will ask about your medical history to determine any underlying respiratory disease. He will discuss which diagnostic tools, tests and scans are suitable for an accurate diagnosis of your lung disease. We, at Fortis, offer every type of diagnostic testing available to assess respiratory problems, including advanced interventional endoscopy techniques that allow our doctors to see inside the respiratory tract and perform treatment procedures at the same time.
IMAGING TESTS
Diagnostic imaging using advanced technology is often critical to the effective diagnosis of lung disease, including:
• Chest X-ray
This lets your doctor study the structure of your lungs and the condition of your thoracic cavity
• Computed tomography (CT) scan
A cross-sectional imaging tool, the CT scan offers your doctor a superior image than the traditional X-ray
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan
The MRI offers detailed images of your lungs and chest cavity using radio frequencies and magnets
• Positron emission tomography (PET) scan
The PET scan provides an additional means of diagnosing lung cancer, using a special tracer that marks cancer cells.
LABORATORY TESTS
• Blood test
A blood test helps the doctor determine if a chest disorder is a result of a bacterial or viral infection
• Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)
An erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) test is sometimes called a sedimentation rate test or sed rate test. Your doctor may order an ESR test to help detect inflammation in your body. This can be useful in diagnosing conditions that cause inflammation, such as autoimmune diseases, cancers, and infections.
• Pulmonary function test (PFT)
The doctor may conduct pulmonary function testing to determine the severity of your respiratory impairment. A key device used for a PFT is a spirometer. It uses a filtered mouthpiece attached via a tube to a spirometer device. It measures the quantity and speed of air you can exhale forcefully from your lungs. It helps your physician assess the extent of narrowing or obstruction of your airways
• Mantoux Test (MT)
Also known as tuberculin skin test is done to see if you have ever been exposed to tuberculosis (TB). The test is done by putting a small amount of TB protein (antigens) under the top layer of skin on your inner forearm. If you have ever been exposed to the TB bacteria (Mycobacterium tuberculosis), your skin will react to the antigens by developing a firm red bump at the site within 2 days.
• Sputum Acid-Fast Bacilli (AFB) Smear
An AFB smear is used as a rapid test to detect mycobacteria that may be causing an infection such as tuberculosis. The sample of sputum is spread thinly onto a glass slide, treated with a special stain, and examined under a microscope for "acid-fast" bacteria.
• Sputum Culture Test for AFB
AFB cultures are used to help determine whether the TB is confined to the lungs (pulmonary disease) or has spread to organs outside the lungs (extrapulmonary disease). AFB cultures can also be used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment and can help determine when a person is no longer infectious. Though this test is more sensitive than an AFB smear, it takes longer for results to become available.
Bronchoscopy
A bronchoscope is a flexible or rigid device used to see the inside of the lungs. The flexible bronchoscope is a thin tube passed through the mouth or nose, down the trachea and into the lungs. It involves the examination of air passages for detecting a variety of respiratory disorders including lung cancer
Upper endoscopy
Endoscopy is typically used for describing medical procedures that examine internal organs with the aid of tubes, lights and cameras. The doctor will lightly sedate you and numb your throat before sliding a thin, flexible plastic tube (endoscope) down your throat. A light and tiny camera lens at the end of the endoscope lets the doctor see the surface of the esophagus, to confirm a diagnosis. The doctor may, if necessary, perform a biopsy (take a small tissue sample) using tiny tweezers (forceps) that are passed through the endoscope. This may then be examined by a pathologist to determine if the tissues are abnormal.
Depending on the severity of the lung disorder, there are various types of treatments and procedures. Here is a list.
Our multidisciplinary team uses minimally invasive approaches to diagnose and treat a full range of thoracic diseases and disorders. Minimally invasive thoracic surgery and treatments allow the surgeon to obtain limited access to the target area and surrounding tissue during the procedure.
It uses small incisions to insert a camera in the chest. This allows the doctor to see the lungs or esophagus. In open surgeries, doctors perform a thoracotomy. This requires a large cut in the chest and around the back. The surgeon then spreads the ribs apart to see inside the chest.
Robotic surgery is one of the most effective and least invasive surgical treatment options available today. Our surgeons use the da Vinci® Surgical System, the only FDA-approved robotic surgical system, to treat thoracic diseases and disorders
A heart transplant is a surgery to remove the diseased heart from a person and replace it with a healthy one from an organ donor.
Surgery to treat problems with the esophagus — from reflux to esophageal cancer — is complex. It requires vast expertise from an entire healthcare team. Our surgeons have the skill to not only provide a precise diagnosis but also perform procedures with a delicate touch. Types of esophageal surgery are:
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