Best Pulmonology Hospital in Old Airport Road, Bangalore

Treatments & Procedures

Respiratory Infections

Respiratory Infections (RTIs) are common illnesses that impact the lungs. Symptoms of RTIs include a sore throat, cough, runny nose, pains in the muscles, etc. The majority of these illnesses are curable without medical intervention. However, you should see a pulmonologist in Bangalore if your symptoms are severe and persistent. 
RTIs are caused by a wide range of pathogenic microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and others. From mild irritations to serious diseases, respiratory infections include a wide range of conditions. They are contagious and often transmitted by sneezes and coughs. 

Upper and Lower Respiratory Infection

Respiratory infections are usually classified into upper and lower RTIs. Individuals with weak immune systems, like children and elderly people, are more susceptible to RTIs. 

• Upper respiratory infections typically impact the sinuses and throat. Its common example includes colds, sore throat, and sinusitis.

• Lower respiratory infections are potentially risky. Pneumonia and chest infections are common examples of LRI. 

Depending upon the causative agent, these conditions require different diagnosis approaches. Our best pulmonologists at Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore, conduct physical examinations as the first diagnostic strategy. Following a comprehensive evaluation of your medical history, they may recommend lab and blood tests. If you're experiencing symptoms of viral respiratory infections, you’ll be asked to undergo a viral culture test or PCR testing to pinpoint the exact virus responsible for the infection. CT scans and chest X-rays are also common in detecting respiratory illnesses, and lung infections.  

Medication is the first step in clinical practice at Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore. Our doctor may prescribe medications (antivirals or antibiotic agents orally or intravenously) to treat your condition based on the underlying cause of the sickness. A majority of respiratory illnesses are incurable and can only be managed with continuous therapies and interventions. Thus, seeking treatment in the initial stages is the best strategy to prevent them.

Tuberculosis (TB)

Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious bacterial infection that primarily attacks the lungs, but it can also spread to the brain, kidneys, and other organs. It is easily transmitted in crowded environments. Common symptoms of active TB include coughing, chest pain, and coughing up blood.

Due to its contagious nature, infected individuals require appropriate treatment for at least six months. People with weakened immune systems, such as those living with HIV/AIDS, are more susceptible to TB infection. There are two main forms of TB: latent and active. Individuals with latent TB don't exhibit any symptoms, while those with active TB may experience coughing and other symptoms. With proper diagnosis and treatment, TB is both preventable and curable.

The progression of TB can be divided into three stages:

• Primary Infection: This is the initial stage that occurs when you first inhale TB bacteria.

• Latent TB Infection: The bacteria are alive but inactive in your body during this stage.

• Active TB Disease: The bacteria become active in this stage. You might not experience any symptoms during the latent phase. However, symptoms of active TB include weakness, persistent cough, and chest pain. Whether you get sick depends on your overall health. Regardless, seek immediate treatment if you experience these symptoms.

Top pulmonologists at Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore, utilize various tests for accurate diagnosis. This may include chest X-rays and CT scans to evaluate lung damage. In most cases, our expert pulmonologists in Bangalore recommend a combination of powerful antibiotics. The primary goals of our comprehensive treatment program are to eliminate the TB-causing bacteria and prevent further development of the disease. To ensure successful treatment, patients must meticulously follow the prescribed medication regimen for a minimum of six months.

Pneumonia

Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the lungs. It can affect the air sacs (alveoli) in one or both lungs. As the illness progresses, these sacs may fill with fluid or pus, which can be life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated promptly. 

Pneumonia is a potentially serious respiratory illness caused by various pathogens like bacteria, viruses, and fungi. People with compromised immune systems, newborns, and those with chronic health conditions are more susceptible to pneumonia. 

The most typical symptoms of pneumonia include chest pain, fever, and weakness. You may also experience a persistent cough or cough-up pus, depending on the severity of your illness. Both bacterial and viral pneumonia are contagious. Fungal pneumonia, however, is not contagious and is contracted through environmental exposure.

Diagnosis & Treatment of Pneumonia

For an accurate diagnosis, our top respiratory medicine specialists in Bangalore take a comprehensive approach that involves reviewing your medical history, followed by a physical examination to assess the severity of your illness and overall health. Depending on the situation, they may recommend a chest X-ray, CT scan, sputum culture, or other tests.

After diagnosis, the best course of treatment will be determined based on the severity of your condition. Treatment typically involves medication. Bacterial pneumonia often responds well to oral antibiotics. If your pneumonia is fungal, antifungal medication will be prescribed. In most cases, your doctor may also recommend over-the-counter medications to manage your symptoms.

Here are some steps you can take to prevent pneumonia:

• Vaccination: Getting vaccinated can significantly reduce your risk of contracting pneumonia.

• Healthy Lifestyle: Maintaining a balanced diet and regular physical activity can also help lower your risk of pneumonia.

Because pneumonia can be serious, it is crucial to seek medical attention from a top pulmonologist in Bangalore promptly if you experience any concerning symptoms.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

COPD, or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, is a progressive, chronic inflammatory lung condition that obstructs the airflow from the lungs, leading to breathing problems. COPD usually develops from prolonged exposure to irritants like tobacco smoke or fumes, but long-term exposure to gases and chemical vapours can also contribute. These irritants damage the lungs, reducing their natural elasticity. This makes the airways and air sacs less flexible, trapping air in the lungs during exhalation. 

Frequent coughing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness are some common signs and symptoms of COPD. If left untreated, the disease can worsen symptoms and increase the risk of other chronic illnesses like lung cancer and heart disease.

COPD Management

At Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, the goal of COPD treatment is to manage symptoms with medications and help you maintain an active, healthy lifestyle. Our pulmonologists in Bangalore employ a comprehensive approach to slow disease progression. Bronchodilators help improve airflow, making breathing easier. Inhaled corticosteroids can help reduce inflammation. Pulmonary rehab, supplementary oxygen therapy, or endobronchial valve therapy (EBV) are other measures to control COPD. 

In severe cases, doctors may recommend surgery like Lung Volume Reduction Surgery (LVRS) or Lung Transplantation, as a last resort if other treatments prove ineffective. Adherence to your medication regimen is essential for managing symptoms and preventing complications. For patients who smoke, quitting smoking is the most crucial step in their journey to good lung health. Avoiding secondhand smoke is equally important. These are the primary measures to prevent further COPD development.

Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD)

A collection of illnesses (over 200 disorders) that result in inflammation and lung scarring is known as interstitial lung disease (ILD). Scarring is frequently associated with respiratory difficulties, which might range from minor to severe. Difficulty breathing and a dry cough are the most common manifestations of ILD. 

Side effects of medicine, radiation therapy, or toxic chemical inhalation frequently cause ILD. Certain autoimmune illnesses, such as rheumatoid arthritis, can also induce interstitial lung conditions. In certain situations, however, the causes are unidentified. Lung damage induced by ILD is frequently irreparable. If you contract ILD, you may develop a dry cough, which can be exacerbated by exercise. ILD is more common in those who smoke or have smoked in the past. Seek help if you experience breathing problems, particularly if there is a family history of pneumonia, TB, hepatitis C, or COPD.

The diagnostic process for ILD at Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore, begins with a physical exam. Our pulmonologists may ask you for pulmonary function tests, X-rays, CT scans, blood tests, etc. The treatment is mostly focused on addressing the underlying condition and alleviating symptoms. The doctor will usually recommend physical therapy, supplementary oxygen, and medicine, or a combination of all to mitigate inflammation and prevent the condition from deteriorating.

Lung Function Testing

Lung function tests, commonly known as Pulmonary function tests (PFTs), are a group of noninvasive tests to determine the health of the lungs. They also help determine the condition of your airways. These tests help doctors detect and treat several lung disorders, such as chronic bronchitis, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer, and pulmonary fibrosis.

Lung function tests comprise multiple tests such as spirometry, lung volume test, lung diffusion capacity test, etc. These tests typically take fifteen to thirty minutes. Based on the purpose of your test, our top pulmonologists in Bangalore may request one or more lung function tests. PFTs are generally safe and non-invasive. Before you undergo these tests, make sure you follow all of the directions provided by our medical staff.

• Spirometry is mainly used to diagnose asthma and COPD. It measures the amount of air you can take in and out. Spirometry also evaluates how quickly you can expel air from your lungs. If you are using an asthma medication, spirometry may assist your doctor in determining how effectively it is working.

• Lung diffusion capacity is another commonly utilized test by our doctors, similar to spirometry. It determines how effectively oxygen travels from your lungs to your bloodstream. It reveals the state of the air sacs. 

• CPET, or the cardiopulmonary exercise test, is another standard lung function test. It monitors how well your heart, lungs, and muscles function while you exercise. 

• Another common test to determine blood oxygen levels is the pulse oximetry test.

Diagnosing and Staging Lung Cancer

The staging approach tells us about the cancer stage. It is used to figure out if cancer has spread. This process of staging lung cancer is usually employed after diagnosis of non-small cell lung cancer. It is divided into two categories: non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer. It is caused by the unregulated growth of dangerous cells in your lungs. Cancer is generally staged based on tumour size, location, and if it has spread to other organs. If you are at high risk, you should undergo screening. 
The staging process describes the extent and location of the cancerous tumour. This process is crucial to finding an appropriate treatment plan. We employ precise and innovative technologies to identify lung cancer accurately.  There are two primary forms of lung cancer. One is a small cell, whereas the other is a non-small cell. Each stage is set up differently. The initials T, N, and M are frequently used for lung cancer staging. 

• "T" is your tumor's size. It also identifies the location of the tumour in the lungs or body. 

• "N" indicates node involvement. This determines whether your cancer has progressed to lymph nodes surrounding your lungs. 

• "M" stands for metastases. Lung cancer may travel to other sections of your body, and this determines whether or not the disease has spread. 

Our pulmonologists collaborating with cancer specialists at Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore may also use X as a number. This indicates that the tumour cannot be quantified and that the extent of its propagation is unknown.

If you have small-cell cancer, the doctor could employ the TNM system. Then, they will stage your cancer as limited or extensive. Non-small-cell lung Cancer Stages represent the clinical or pathological stage. Doctors may do a biopsy to determine the diagnosis. 

The TNM system, with the digits X, 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4 following each letter, is the most frequently employed approach to staging an NSCLC tumour. The combination of number and letter indicates the diameter of the malignant growth and its location. Furthermore, it aids in determining whether the patient has one or several tumours or if the tumour has progressed to lymph nodes or other parts of the body.

Sleep-Related Disorders and Sleep Medicine

Sleep issues affect many people. There are more than 80 sleep disorders that affect the quality and timing of sleep. Anyone can suffer sleep problems (variations in sleep quality and duration) from time to time, but if they persist, you may have a sleeping disorder.

Sleep issues may interfere with regular daily activities. Therefore, precise diagnosis and treatment are critical to managing them at their early onset.

The common sleep disorders include Insomnia, Sleep apnea, Restless Legs Syndrome, Circadian Rhythm Disorders, etc. They might not seem significant at first, but if they persist and disrupt the sleep schedule, difficulty falling asleep, or snoring, it could negatively impact overall health and quality of life. They may increase the risk of many health problems, such as coronary artery disease and diabetes. 

Anxiety or depression and too much caffeine or alcohol intake can also disrupt your sleep. Excessive daytime drowsiness, uneven breathing, and increased activity during sleep are some indications of sleep disorders. Other indications and symptoms include loud sleep, such as snoring, sleep paralysis, which occurs when you become awake but are unable to move, excessive tiredness during waking hours, and so on. 

For proper diagnosis of any sleep disorder, you can consult our top sleep medicine specialists at Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore.

Types of Sleep Disorders

Sleep disorders are classified into different groups based on the symptoms they present. Insomnia is the most frequent category, and it can take many different forms. You may have only one or a combination of various types. You experience trouble getting to sleep and remaining asleep. Snoring and Sleep Apnea are also frequent sleep conditions. Snoring may appear harmless at first, but if it becomes severe, it can lead to a potentially serious disease known as sleep apnea. Sleep apnea can also develop or aggravate other medical disorders. It might involve hypertension, coronary artery disease, or diabetes.  

Sleep Paralysis is one of the scariest sleep issues. It is a transient loss of movement that occurs when you wake up. Sleep paralysis episodes usually last a few minutes since your brain automatically wakes up or becomes asleep more fully. 

Consult our sleep medicine specialists at Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore to get an accurate diagnosis of any sleep disorder you may have. They may advise you to do a sleep study (polysomnogram) or other non-invasive examinations. Specific treatments for your condition may include Cognitive behavioural therapy, CPAP, light therapy, and sleep medications. These are just a handful of the effective therapies available to help you manage your symptoms.   

Scope of Services

Pulmonology 

Pulmonology often addresses a wide range of respiratory conditions, including Asthma, Pneumonia, ILD, Sleep apnea, and more. Our scope of services for diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary issues include:

1. Bronchoscopy: It is a minimally invasive procedure that is used to precisely diagnose lung diseases including malignancies, blockages in the airways, narrowed sections of the airways, etc.

2. Rigid bronchoscopy: It can detect obstruction of the trachea or proximal bronchi (airway blockage), big airway tumours, and bleeding. Used in both clinical and diagnostic settings, rigid bronchoscopy is conducted in an operating room with a thin, hollow metal tube - bronchoscope. 

3. Lung Biopsy: A lung biopsy is often performed when abnormal tissue is found around the chest (indicating lung cancer). This is a safe and painless treatment. The three major types of lung biopsies are needle biopsy, open biopsy, and bronchoscopic biopsy. 

4. Thoracoscopy: It is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to view the interior of your chest or collect tissue samples of lung tissue or lymph nodes. This can diagnose and treat problems in the lungs including lung cancer. 

5. Radial EBUS (Endobronchial Ultrasound): Radial EBUS diagnoses complications such as pneumonia or blood clots in the lungs by using ultra-high frequency sound wave that provides a detailed visualisation of the lungs and the neighbouring tissues. 

Interventional Pulmonology

The interventional pulmonary approach cures and diagnoses lung problems by utilising state-of-the-art techniques. This includes methods such as:

1. Imaging-guided transbronchial lung biopsies - This makes precise lung tissue sampling possible. The main applications for this include the diagnosis of lung cancer and interstitial lung disease. 

2. Video bronchoscopic techniques - It facilitates the detection and treatment of abnormalities in the airways, allowing for individualised care for conditions such as bronchial malignancies.

3. Stenting: In individuals with severe emphysema, airway fixtures are utilised to obstruct airways, reducing airflow to affected lung lobes. Self-expanding metallic stents treat constricted or collapsed airways to restore patency and relieve tracheal stenosis and bronchial blockage-related symptoms.

Sleep Medicine

Our expertise extends to the management of several sleep problems, such as insomnia, sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, etc.

• Polysomnography: Also called a sleep study, Polysomnography is a non-invasive procedure that investigates insomnia-like problems, including sleep apnea and restless legs syndrome, tracking sleep phases and cycles. 

• The Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT): It measures excessive daytime sleepiness to identify narcolepsy and idiopathic hypersomnia. It is often referred to as a daytime nap study. 

• Insomnia and Circadian Rhythm Disorder: These require our sleep medicine specialists to evaluate your medical history, record a sleep diary, and perform physical and comprehensive sleep examinations.