Pulmonology consultation focuses on evaluating conditions affecting the lungs, airways and respiratory system. Patients may seek assessment for persistent cough, wheezing, breathlessness or recurring respiratory infections. Evaluation includes medical history, physical examination and appropriate tests such as chest imaging or pulmonary function assessment, depending on the suspected diagnosis.
Diagnostic bronchoscopy uses a thin, flexible instrument with a camera to examine the breathing passages. It may help investigate unexplained airway abnormalities, persistent respiratory symptoms, lung lesions or certain infections. During the procedure, samples may be collected when appropriate. Suitability depends on clinical findings, imaging results and individual risks.
Endobronchial ultrasound combines bronchoscopy with ultrasound imaging to examine structures and lymph nodes near the airways. It can guide tissue sampling when evaluating selected chest abnormalities, enlarged lymph nodes or suspected lung cancer. The procedure is considered when imaging findings indicate that additional diagnostic information is needed.
Pulmonary rehabilitation is a structured programme designed to improve physical function and symptom management in selected patients with chronic respiratory disease. It may include supervised exercise, breathing education, nutritional guidance and self-management strategies. The programme is adapted to each patient's respiratory limitations, medical condition and rehabilitation goals.
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway condition that can cause wheezing, coughing, chest tightness and episodes of breathlessness. Evaluation may involve symptom history, examination and lung function testing. Management commonly includes appropriate inhaled medication, identification of triggers, inhaler technique education and monitoring of symptom control.
COPD is a chronic respiratory condition characterised by persistent airflow limitation. Symptoms may include long-term cough, sputum production and breathlessness during activity. Diagnosis usually involves spirometry, alongside clinical assessment. Management may include inhaled medicines, smoking cessation, vaccination, pulmonary rehabilitation and other supportive measures.
Pulmonary function tests assess how effectively the lungs move air and, in certain tests, exchange gases. Spirometry measures airflow and helps evaluate conditions such as asthma and COPD. Test selection depends on symptoms and clinical findings. Results are interpreted alongside examination, medical history and other investigations.
Pneumonia is an infection affecting lung tissue and may cause fever, cough, chest discomfort and difficulty breathing. Evaluation may include examination, oxygen measurement, imaging and laboratory investigations. Treatment depends on the suspected organism, illness severity and associated medical conditions, with hospital care required for selected patients.
Pulmonary tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis that commonly affects the lungs. Symptoms may include prolonged cough, fever, weight loss and night sweats. Diagnosis involves appropriate sputum testing, molecular investigations and chest imaging. Treatment requires a recommended multidrug regimen and careful follow-up.
Interstitial lung diseases are a group of conditions affecting lung tissues and may cause progressive breathlessness and persistent dry cough. Evaluation often includes detailed medical and exposure history, pulmonary function tests, chest CT imaging and selected additional investigations. Treatment depends on the type of disease and underlying cause.
Spontaneous pneumothorax occurs when air enters the space between the lung and chest wall without a preceding major injury, potentially causing sudden chest pain or breathlessness. Assessment generally involves examination and chest imaging. Management depends on the size, symptoms and clinical stability and may require urgent intervention.
Pleural effusion is an abnormal accumulation of fluid around the lungs. It may cause breathlessness, chest discomfort or cough. Evaluation can involve imaging, clinical assessment and fluid sampling when indicated. Treatment focuses on identifying the underlying cause and relieving symptoms when the fluid collection is clinically significant.
A persistent cough may be associated with asthma, respiratory infection, reflux, medication effects or other pulmonary conditions. Assessment includes reviewing symptom duration, associated features and environmental exposures. Further investigations are selected according to clinical findings, with treatment directed at the underlying cause rather than cough suppression alone.
Breathlessness may result from lung disease, cardiovascular conditions, reduced physical fitness or other medical problems. Respiratory evaluation considers symptom patterns, oxygen saturation, physical examination and suitable investigations. Treatment depends on identifying the cause, which may require coordination with cardiology or other medical specialists.
Respiratory critical care involves assessing and supporting patients with severe breathing difficulties or respiratory failure. Management may require oxygen therapy, non-invasive respiratory support or mechanical ventilation in appropriately equipped hospital settings. Decisions depend on illness severity, blood gas measurements, respiratory function and the patient's overall clinical condition.
Some patients experience persistent breathlessness, cough or reduced exercise tolerance after a significant respiratory infection. Assessment may involve pulmonary function testing, oxygen measurement and imaging when appropriate. Rehabilitation and treatment plans are tailored to the symptoms, underlying lung condition and recovery needs of the individual.