Dr. (Prof) P. Shyamsunder Tampi

Pulmonology is a branch of Internal Medicine that deals with the health and diseases of the respiratory tract. It is also referred to as Chest Medicine or Respiratory Medicine and deals with various respiratory conditions and lung disorders.
Most respiratory illnesses present with cough, sputum, wheeze, breathlessness or dyspnoea. Many mild and short lasting illnesses like flu, can be managed by your Family Physician. However, if breathlessness, cough with fever or other symptoms do not get better, you might need the help of a Pulmonologist or Chest Physician to diagnose and treat effectively.
Pulmonology is related to diagnosing and treating all diseases affecting the respiratory system that includes the nose, mouth, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, alveoli, lungs, and the respiratory muscles, in short, it deals with any disorders that affect the lungs, airways, or respiratory muscles. The following are some of the common diseases related to the respiratory system that are treated by Pulmonologists-
Asthma: This is a chronic health condition that is characterized by difficulty in breathing, coughing, tightness in the chest, and wheezing (where a whistling sound can be heard). Asthma can happen as a sudden attack that lasts for a few minutes or hours. It can be a chronic condition that can last for many days; asthma can also occur as a result of an allergy (to dust, pollen, smoke, pet dander, or even physical exertion.
It’s more common during winters, when the weather is cold or it can be an allergic reaction to medicine. In Asthma there is inflammation of the airways, and the airways become constricted.and breathing becomes difficult and it leads to a wheezing sound and discomfort in the chest. In severe cases, the airways close completely and the patient will need urgent medical attention.
Infections of the lung like Pulmonary Tuberculosis, Bronchitis and Pneumonia. These often present with cough, fever, breathlessness and sputum production with often blood in it (hemoptysis). You will need to consult a Pulmonologist who will diagnose the cause of the infection with blood and sputum tests, Chest Xrays and often a CT scan of the Chest. Specific treatment will be undertaken so that you recover soon.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is often caused due to tobacco smoking or indoor air pollution. The lungs often get damaged and results in chronic bronchitis or emphysema manifesting with chronic cough, progressive breathlessness, wheeze and often copious sputum production. COPD needs expert assessment and management by a Respiratory Physician.
Lung Cancer. Often the patient has a recurrent cough with hemoptysis (blood in the sputum). There may be associated loss of weight, chest pain etc. Your Family Physician is likely to refer you to a Chest Physician who, with the help of chest radiograph, CT scan of the chest along with bronchoscopy and biopsy would rule in/out a possible lung cancer. Early diagnosis ensures a better prognosis in lung cancer.
ILD (Interstitial Lung Disease). This is group of diseases which involves the interstitium of the lung. There is progressive dry cough and breathlessness on exertion at presentation. Your Pulmonologist is trained to guide you to a firm diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Sleep Apnoea syndrome. Disordered breathing during sleep can often be due to upper airway obstruction and can result in multiple, recurrent stoppages of breathing in your sleep. These patients often have loud snoring and excessive daytime sleepiness. Obstructive sleep apnoea if not managed appropriately can lead to a host of systemic illnesses like increased cardiovascular disease, stroke, metabolic disease, excessive daytime sleepiness, work-place errors, traffic accidents and death.. With the increased awareness of this group of diseases and the availability of Polysomnography, these patients can be rapidly diagnosed and appropriate treatment can be started.
Respiratory Critical Care. Pulmonology has also spread to involve critically ill patients who need to be put on a ventilator in the ICU and effectively managed to save lives.