Respiratory Medicine

The Department of Respiratory Medicine (also known as Chest Medicine or Pulmonology) specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the respiratory system. This includes the lungs, airways (trachea and bronchi), and the structures involved in breathing.

Respiratory physicians treat a wide spectrum of conditions. Common respiratory issues include asthma, which causes wheezing and breathlessness; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a progressive lung disease often linked to smoking; and pneumonia, an infection that inflames the air sacs in the lungs. They also manage bronchitis, emphysema, and more complex conditions like pulmonary fibrosis, lung cancer, and tuberculosis (TB).

Diagnosis in respiratory medicine often involves specialized tests. Pulmonary function tests (spirometry) measure how well the lungs are working. Imaging techniques like chest X-rays and CT scans help visualize lung structure. Bronchoscopy—a procedure using a thin, flexible tube with a camera—allows doctors to examine the airways directly and take tissue samples if needed.

Treatment approaches vary widely. They may include inhalers for asthma and COPD, antibiotics for infections, oxygen therapy for patients with low blood oxygen, and pulmonary rehabilitation programs to improve breathing and quality of life. The goal of respiratory medicine is to help patients breathe easier, manage chronic conditions effectively, and maintain optimal lung health.