Pulmonology is a medical specialty that investigates and treats diseases related to the respiratory system and the chest cavity.
This field encompasses diseases of the lungs, bronchi, respiratory muscles, and chest wall. A doctor specializing in chest diseases evaluates and treats various respiratory system issues such as respiratory tract infections, asthma, COPD, lung cancer, and interstitial lung diseases.
Chest disease specialists often use respiratory function tests, imaging methods (chest X-ray, computerized tomography), bronchoscopy, and other diagnostic tools when assessing patients' respiratory system-related complaints. These methods help determine the type and severity of the disease, allowing the creation of an appropriate treatment plan.
Treatment options include drug therapy, respiratory therapy, oxygen therapy, interventions with bronchoscopy, and, if necessary, surgical interventions. While chest disease specialists work to optimize patients' respiratory functions, they also conduct a comprehensive assessment to understand the cause and development process of the disease.
Diseases in this field can affect the respiratory tract, lungs, chest wall, and other components of the respiratory system. Chest diseases can start differently and progress in various ways, each having specific symptoms and treatment approaches. Consulting a specialist for diagnosis and treatment ensures a proper evaluation of the disease and the creation of an appropriate treatment plan.
Some of the most commonly encountered Pulmonology diseases include:
Various methods are employed to accurately diagnose chest diseases, with the choice of diagnostic methods depending on the type and severity of the disease. A chest disease specialist conducts a physical examination to assess the patient's overall health. This examination includes the evaluation of respiratory system symptoms, chest shape, and other important signs. Imaging methods such as X-ray, computerized tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) allow for a detailed examination of the lungs, bronchi, and other chest organs. Additionally, respiratory function tests such as spirometry measure the patient's lung capacity, respiratory rate, and other respiratory parameters, aiding in the diagnosis and determination of the severity of lung diseases.
Bronchoscopy is an examination performed with a flexible tube (bronchoscope) inserted into the respiratory tract. This method is used to assess the internal structure of the lungs and the condition of the bronchi. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) is a technique performed during bronchoscopy, involving the laboratory examination of samples taken during the procedure. BAL is used to determine the causes of lung diseases.
Another diagnostic method, Thoracentesis, is a procedure used to remove or sample fluid from the chest cavity. This method is employed in diagnosing conditions such as pleural effusion. Pulmonary function tests conducted to assess the overall performance of the lungs play a significant role in the diagnosis and monitoring of respiratory system problems. The diagnosis of chest diseases generally involves one or a combination of these methods. Based on the patient's symptoms, medical history, and test results, a specialist can make an accurate diagnosis and create an appropriate treatment plan.
The treatment methods for chest diseases vary depending on the type, severity, and the patient's overall health. Drug therapy is often applicable for many chest diseases. Bronchodilators, corticosteroids, and anti-inflammatory drugs are used in diseases like asthma, COPD, and bronchitis. Antibiotics can be effective against lung infections.
Respiratory physiotherapy is another treatment method aimed at strengthening respiratory muscles, facilitating breathing, and supporting mucus clearance. Oxygen therapy may also be applied to individuals whose blood oxygen levels have decreased due to lung diseases. This helps ensure the body receives sufficient oxygen. Additionally, bronchoscopy, used in the diagnosis of chest diseases, can be employed for therapeutic purposes in some cases. For instance, it may be possible to shrink lung tumors or open blocked airways through this method.
Surgical interventions for chest diseases are generally determined based on the type and severity of the disease. These surgical procedures are performed by expert chest surgeons. In the treatment of lung cancer, surgery can be applied to remove the tumor. Various surgical methods such as lobectomy, segmentectomy, and wedge resection may be used. These procedures are often performed using techniques like thoracotomy (opening the chest wall) or VATS (video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery). During surgery, the tumor and surrounding healthy tissue are removed.
Pleural diseases mostly involve conditions such as inflammation of the pleura or fluid accumulation. Surgical interventions such as thoracoscopy or thoracotomy can be performed for procedures like draining pleural effusion (fluid accumulation), pleural biopsy, or removal of pleural plaques. In cases where chest wall tumors are removed, chest wall reconstruction may be necessary. This procedure involves the repair of surgically removed tissue and bones using surgical instruments and implants.
Additionally, masses arising in the mediastinum region (the middle area of the chest cavity) can be removed with various surgical procedures. These procedures are usually performed using thoracotomy or VATS. Depending on the nature and location of the mass, surgical removal may be required. Congenital chest wall anomalies can also be corrected through surgical intervention. In many cases, surgical operations are performed to correct deformities such as kyphoscoliosis and to develop the chest cage normally. For detailed information about chest diseases, chest surgery costs, and all procedures, you can contact Phoenix Healthy.
The treatment cost for chest diseases varies depending on the type of disease, treatment method, and the patient's overall health.
Yes, it is possible. The risk of developing chest diseases can be reduced by not smoking, adopting a healthy lifestyle, avoiding air pollution, and taking preventive vaccinations.
It is challenging for specialists to provide a precise duration. The treatment duration varies based on the patient's condition, the type of disease, and the treatment method. The management of some diseases may continue throughout a person's lifetime.
