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A team of leading pulmonology specialists in Hyderabad, India, with extensive expertise in treating acute and chronic respiratory conditions such as respiratory tract infections, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), interstitial lung disease (ILD), pulmonary fibrosis, lung cancer, and respiratory failure, is dedicated to providing patient-focused, evidence-based, and compassionate care. This team of highly skilled chest specialists, lung doctors, pulmonologists, and interventional pulmonologists is proficient in the latest advanced treatment techniques, ensuring precise care with minimal complications and a high success rate.
Asthma is a long-term inflammatory lung condition that affects the lungs’ airways. The airways become inflamed, narrowed, swelled and produce mucus, making breathing difficult.
The diaphragm is a vital organ as it is the primary inhalation muscle (the muscle that helps expand the thoracic cavity). Its dysfunction is the failure of the force (muscle) itself or phrenic nerve damage, which can be associated with inevitable consequences.
PERTUSSIS (Whooping cough) is a contagious upper respiratory infection caused by the bacteria Bordetella pertussis. It spreads from person to person through the droplets of cough or sneeze. It is a severe condition in babies.
Dyspnea/Shortness of breath is a condition in which one cannot get adequate air into the lungs or feels challenged to take a breath. It is a warning sign for other severe conditions that affect the respiratory system. Lung and heart diseases can be the main cause of shortness of breath. Other causes include allergies, asthma, anxiety, intense physical exercise, high altitude stays, choking, a collapsed lung, and sudden blood loss.
A sensation of spinning or dizziness, which can be caused by inner ear problems, head injuries, or other factors.
Nasal polyps are soft, non-cancerous growths that develop in the lining of the nasal passages or sinuses. They are often associated with chronic inflammation, allergies, asthma, recurring infections, cystic fibrosis, or certain immune disorders.
Sleep apnea is a condition in which a person stops breathing for brief periods during sleep. This can lead to snoring, daytime sleepiness, and an increased risk of heart attacks and other health problems.
Voice disorders affect the quality, pitch, loudness, or resonance of a person’s voice. They can be caused by polyps, vocal strain, laryngitis, acid reflux, neurological conditions, vocal cord paralysis, or overuse of the voice.
Difficulty swallowing, known as dysphagia, can be caused by various factors including issues in the oral cavity, oropharynx, nerve damage, muscle weakness, or esophageal disorders.
Facial nerve paralysis, or facial palsy, occurs when the facial nerve is damaged or injured. This condition can result from various causes, including viral infections, trauma, tumors, or neurological disorders.
Tumors that develop in the head or neck region can include cancers of the throat, tongue, or salivary glands.
We provide comprehensive pulmonology diagnostic tests to carry out evidence-based treatment. Our advanced and latest screening approach examines all kinds of abnormalities and impairments in the upper and lower respiratory tract, lungs, and chest region. This results in early detection and precise evaluation, enabling our pulmonology doctors and interventional pulmonologists to make an informed decision to proceed with the appropriate treatment modalities and surgical procedures.
1. Chest X-ray: It is a painless and fast imaging technique to find the structures in and around the patient’s chest. The amount of radiation is significantly less, so one cannot worry about taking this test. This test helps find the diseases such as tuberculosis, emphysema, heart failure, pneumonia and lung cancer. Healthcare practitioners may use this imaging test to see how well the treatments are working in patients and to find the complications after some specific surgeries or procedures.
2. Chest MRI: A chest MRI scan uses magnets, radio waves, and computers to create images of the structures within a patient’s chest. This procedure can be done in a hospital or imaging centre. The healthcare provider may inject a contrast dye into the patient’s arm veins to highlight the blood vessels and heart. It can diagnose diseases such as blood vessel problems, cystic fibrosis, pulmonary embolism, pulmonary hypertension, tumour or pleural disorders and abnormal lymph nodes.
3. Chest Ultrasound: This medical test employs high-frequency sound waves to provide a comprehensive overview of the lungs. It detects fluid accumulation in or around the lungs, including the heart, trachea, oesophagus, thymus, aorta, and lymph nodes. Additionally, it is beneficial in assessing the blood flow to the chest organs. It can help diagnose the conditions such as pneumonia, pleural effusion, pneumothorax and pulmonary oedema.
4. Computerized Tomography (CT) or Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scans: Both are advanced imaging tests and can be used to find issues such as cancers (e.g., solitary pulmonary nodule and non-small cell lung cancer). CT scan is a sequence of X-rays that have been taken from various (different) angles that give a complete picture of the lungs. In a PET scan, a special dye will use to see the body parts.
5. Pulmonary Angiogram: It is a technique that concentrates on pulmonary arteries (blood vessels that connect the heart and lungs), present with an X-ray of the blood vessels. A notable contrast dye is injected into the patient’s blood vessels and used to find dangerous blood clots within or around the lungs called pulmonary embolism.
6. Pulmonary Function Test (PFTs): Pulmonary function tests are a type of non-invasive examination that assesses the functionality of the lungs without the need for intrusive instruments. These tests measure various lung parameters, including capacity, volume, gas exchange, and flow rates.
7. Spirometry: The test is simple and commonly used. The patient simply inhales and exhales through a tube, and the pulmonologist measures the amount of air exhaled after a deep breath. This helps determine the patient’s lung capacity and the speed at which they can exhale air. This test identifies conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which can affect the amount of air the lungs can hold.
8. Pulse Oximetry: Measuring the oxygen levels in the blood is done through pulse oximetry. This method is usually performed by placing a clip on the fingertip, but it can also be done on the toes, feet, or ears. The procedure is painless, and the results are shown as a percentage. If a patient’s pulse oximetry reading is less than 90%, they may require oxygen.
9. Lung Volume Test: Body plethysmography, also known as lung volume measurement, is a test that accurately estimates the amount of air the patient’s lungs can hold. This test helps to assess the air volume in the lungs.
10. Gas Diffusion Study: This test measures the amount of oxygen and other gases that are transferred from the lungs to the blood.
11. Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test (CPET): This assessment evaluates the functionality of the patient’s heart, lungs, and muscles while engaging in physical activity. The patient will ride a bicycle or walk on a treadmill with attached machines, and a healthcare practitioner will monitor blood pressure, blood oxygen levels, and heartbeat.
12. Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide (FENO) Tests: This test determines the nitric oxide level in the patient’s breath. Elevated nitric oxide levels indicate lung inflammation, which can cause breathing difficulties. The patient must exhale into a tube connected to a portable device to conduct the test.
13. Arterial Blood Gas Test: This medical examination assesses the quantity of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the bloodstream. Usually, the blood sample is collected from the patient’s wrist artery, where the pulse is monitored.
14. Bronchial Provocation Test: The bronchial provocation test is a helpful tool for identifying asthma and determining its severity. In this test, the patient is asked to inhale a specific medication that causes the airways to narrow. Then, the patient must undergo a spirometry test multiple times while the pulmonologist records readings to measure the extent of the airway narrowing during an asthma attack.
15. Respiratory Muscle Function Test: This measures the pressure generated by the breathing muscles when the patient inhales or exhales.
16. Sputum Cytology: Sputum cytology is a simple, non-invasive, and safe diagnostic process that identifies and counts the cell types and its morphology to assess the normal and diseased characteristics of the mucosa. This method aids in the identification of abnormal cells, inflammatory cells (lymphocytes, neutrophils, eosinophils, mast cells), bacteria, and hyphae/spores of fungi in the sputum. It helps in diagnosing lung cancer.
1. Bronchoscopy: It is a procedure that looks inside the lung airways and is also used to find the causative factor of a lung problem. It can recognize signs of infection, tumours, bleeding, excess mucus in airways and lung blockages. The pulmonologist will slide a small tube attached to a camera at the end of the airways. By looking into the camera, they can see the passages inside, such as blood, mucus or tumours. A medicine to sleep, or a drug, should be given to numb air passages before performing this procedure.
2. Chest Tube Procedure: Pulmonologists use the chest tube procedure to drain fluid or blood, inflate a collapsed lung, or deliver medications. The procedure involves inserting a thin plastic tube into the pleural cavity (space) to identify conditions such as emphysema, pneumothorax, pleural effusion, and hemothorax.
3. Mediastinoscopy: A mediastinoscopy is a surgical procedure involving a mediastinoscope to examine the mediastinum, the space between the lung lobes behind the breastbone. The mediastinoscope contains a small camera to provide a visual of the area. However, healthcare practitioners must create a small hole in the chest to insert the device. This procedure is typically performed to identify signs of various cancers and to diagnose conditions like inflammation, sarcoidosis, thymoma, and cancer affecting the bronchi or other structures in the mediastinum.
4. Pleural Biopsy: The lungs are surrounded by two layers of membranes, known as the pleural cavity. Sometimes, certain illnesses can lead to fluid accumulation in the area between the lungs and the pleura. If this occurs, pulmonologists may suggest a test to check for any fluid build-up. This test involves using a specialized biopsy needle to extract a small piece of pleura. Its purpose is to diagnose infections, cancers, or other diseases.
5. Oxygen Therapy: Some individuals with breathing disorders may be unable to obtain sufficient oxygen on their own. In such cases, they may need oxygen therapy or supplemental oxygen. This is usually caused by underlying lung conditions that prevent oxygen absorption, such as pneumonia, asthma, heart failure, upper airway obstruction, trauma, severe asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
6. Bronchoalveolar Lavage: During bronchoscopy, a process is performed where sterile water is injected into lung segments using a bronchoscope. This process is called bronchoalveolar lavage. The resulting fluid is then suctioned back and sent for testing. This procedure can aid in diagnosing bleeding, infection, cancer, and other medical conditions.
8. Airway Stent (Bronchial Stent): When cancer or certain other conditions affect a bronchus (airway tube), it can become compressed or narrow, resulting in coughing, breathing difficulties, and the pneumonia. A pulmonologist can use a bronchoscope to insert a wire mesh stent into the affected airway to alleviate these symptoms. This stent expands to open up the airway and relieve constriction.
9. Pleuroscopy: Interventional Pulmonologist creates a small opening in the chest wall and inserts a pleuroscope, a type of endoscope, into the chest cavity. The pleuroscope is navigated around one side of the lung and chest wall, enabling the diagnosis of certain lung lining conditions (pleura) and providing visibility of the outer edge of the patient’s lung. However, this procedure cannot be done through bronchoscopy.
10. Lung Biopsy or Lymph Node: During a bronchoscopy procedure, a pulmonologist may collect a small piece of tissue from the lungs or a nearby lymph node to examine for infection, sarcoidosis, cancer, or other conditions. This is done using forceps or needles through the bronchoscope to obtain a specific tissue sample. The collected tissue (biopsies) can accurately identify cancer spreading in patients with lung cancer or other types of cancer.
11. Thoracoscopy: A thoracoscopy is a medical procedure that utilizes a thin, flexible tube with a light and attached camera at the end to examine the cavity within the chest and the surface of the lungs. It is performed to identify the underlying causes of lung problems, such as coughing up blood and difficulty breathing, and to obtain tissue samples (biopsy) from abnormal lung tissue, the chest wall, lymph nodes, or the pleura (lining of the lung). This procedure is commonly used for patients who have lung cancer and mesothelioma.
12. Thoracentesis: A pulmonologist conducts thoracentesis to address pleural effusion, which is the accumulation of fluid around the lungs. During this procedure, a needle is inserted into the chest wall, and a plastic catheter is attached to it. The excess fluid is then suctioned out from the pleura. After the procedure, the catheter is removed and properly disposed of.
13. Pleurodesis: For patients experiencing recurring pleural effusions, a medical procedure called pleurodesis is often recommended. During this procedure, a pulmonologist makes an incision in the chest wall and inserts a plastic tube into the chest cavity. An irritating chemical is then sprayed around the lung, causing the inflamed pleura to stick tightly to the chest wall, preventing the re-accumulation of fluid around the lung.
14. Indwelling Pleural Catheter: A pleural catheter is used as an alternative to pleurodesis for treating recurrent pleural effusion (fluid around the lung). This procedure involves the insertion of a plastic catheter under the skin and into the chest cavity, with its tip placed inside. As fluid builds up around the lung, a healthcare professional can use sterile supplies to drain the indwelling pleural catheter at home.
15. Endobronchial Ultrasound (EBUS): This interventional procedure involves using a bronchoscope, a thin tube with a bright light inserted through the patient’s mouth and down to the windpipe and bronchi. The bronchoscope has a small camera that allows a pulmonologist to visually examine the airways, blood vessels, lungs, and lymph nodes on an ultrasound monitor. Additionally, a needle is attached to the bronchoscope to extract fluid and tissue samples from the patient’s lungs and surrounding lymph nodes. This procedure is referred to as transbronchial needle aspiration.
16. Percutaneous Tracheostomy: Percutaneous dilational tracheostomy is a frequently used medical procedure for critically ill patients. It is typically performed on those experiencing short-term respiratory failure and requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation. This procedure involves creating a surgically generated airway that remains open with a breathing or tracheostomy tube inserted directly into the trachea through a neck incision. A flexible bronchoscope is necessary during the procedure to ensure proper positioning of the oral endotracheal tube.
17. Bronchoscopic Cryobiopsy: A new procedure has been developed for identifying lung diseases by taking a sample of lung tissue. It involves using a bronchoscope with a flexible cryoprobe tool to reach inside the lung. The process can be done with a specialized cryoprobe or cryotherapy spray in the airway. The cryoprobe works by freezing tissue to collect a sample that can be evaluated further.
18. Bronchoscopic Cryotherapy: Cryotherapy is a medical procedure that utilizes extreme cold to freeze and eliminate abnormal cells. Pulmonologists often use this technique to treat certain types of cancers, including lung cancer, by inducing tissue necrosis or cellular death. This is accomplished using a specialized cryoprobe attached to a bronchoscope or administering a cryotherapy spray. Cryotherapy is also referred to as cryoablation.
Bronchoscopic cryotherapy can address various medical conditions, such as foreign body removal, endobronchial biopsy, transbronchial biopsy, and the treatment of benign and malignant central airway obstruction.
19. Bronchoscopic Thermoplasty: Thermoplasty is a respiratory procedure designed for individuals with severe asthma who do not respond to medication. During a bronchoscopy, a pulmonologist uses a heat probe to apply heat to the airway walls. This heat eliminates a layer of smooth muscle responsible for the constriction that leads to asthma symptoms.
20. Lobectomy: A lobectomy may be necessary when one part of a lung is damaged or diseased. This surgical procedure removes the affected lobe, leaving the remaining healthy tissue to function normally. Conditions requiring a lobectomy include tuberculosis, emphysema, lung abscess, fungal infections, and lung cancer.
21. Pneumonectomy: Pneumonectomy is a surgical procedure involving removing one of a patient’s lungs due to trauma, cancer, or other diseases. The most common reason for this procedure is lung cancer, and other conditions may include congenital lung disease, traumatic lung injury, tuberculosis, and bronchiectasis. Usually, healthcare professionals aim to remove some lung tissue.
22. Bullectomy: This type of surgical procedure is performed to remove lung air pockets. The lungs contain various tiny air sacs known as alveoli that can grow into larger spaces called bullae when they are damaged. Bullae are significant lung air pockets that can develop due to certain medical conditions like emphysema and COPD. Pulmonologists may suggest removing bullae when they cause breathing difficulties or other health problems.
23. Lung Volume Reduction Surgery (LVRS): Patients suffering from severe emphysema or end-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease may undergo lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) to improve their lung capacity, breathing ability, and overall quality and quantity of life. This surgery can be performed using open sternotomy, video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery, or thoracotomy.
24. Pulmonary Endarterectomy: Pulmonary thromboendarterectomy is a complicated surgical procedure that involves removing scar tissue and old blood clots from the pulmonary arteries in the lungs. The procedure helps to eliminate the blockages, which restores normal blood pressure and blood flow in the lungs while reducing the strain on the right side of the heart. By removing these clots, the heart and lungs can function better, leading to a general improvement in well-being.
25. Pulmonary Wedge Resection: It is a surgical procedure to remove a wedge-shaped small piece of tissue from the lung. It is typically done for individuals with early-stage lung cancer, metastatic tumours, bullous lung disease, tuberculosis, and lung nodules or lesions. This procedure is most effective when the cancer or disease is identified early and only affects a small area.