Pulmonology

Chest Diseases Department

Our Chest Diseases Department provides services to its patients by using all the possibilities of advanced technology in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases in this field.

Our department also provides:

• Smoking Cessation Clinic service
• Sleep Clinic for the diagnosis and treatment of Sleep Apnea Syndrome

Treated Diseases

• Asthma
• Allergic rhinitis
• COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
• Pneumonia
• Tuberculosis (TB)
• Sleep Apnea Syndrome
• Pulmonary embolism
• Bronchiectasis
• Lung cancer
• Chronic bronchitis
• Smoking addiction
• Respiratory infections

Diagnostic and Therapeutic Methods in Chest Diseases

Bronchoscopy

Bronchoscopy is an examination that uses a thin tube with a light at its tip to see the trachea and large airways, perform a biopsy, and take a secretion sample. It is performed through the nose or mouth with local anesthesia, so the patient does not feel discomfort during the procedure. The process takes approximately 30 minutes, and outpatients can be discharged 2 hours later.

Instances where bronchoscopy is used:

• Persistent cough that does not resolve
• Bloody sputum or coughing up blood
• Suspicion of lung tumor
• Hoarseness lasting longer than two weeks
• Unexplained shortness of breath
• Chest trauma and injuries
• To clear secretions from the bronchi
• To remove a foreign object from the respiratory tract

Asthma

Asthma manifests as shortness of breath, coughing, and sensitivity to certain odors. Diagnosis involves respiratory examinations, chest X-rays, and breathing tests. Most asthma patients also experience allergic reactions.

Treatment: With proper precautions and inhaler use, satisfactory results are achieved.

Allergy Skin Test

An allergy skin test is a quick and reliable method to identify specific allergies.

Who is it applied to?

• Asthma patients
• Allergic rhinitis (allergic cold)
• Allergic eczema
• Patients with suspected food allergies

Pulmonary Function Tests

Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) measure lung capacity and function using a spirometry device. The results are evaluated by a chest diseases specialist.

Who is it applied to?

• Individuals with shortness of breath, cough, or wheezing
• For diagnosing asthma and COPD
• To evaluate lung capacity in smokers
• To assess lung function before surgery

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

COPD, usually caused by smoking, narrows the airways and leads to respiratory issues.

Symptoms:

• Shortness of breath
• Low oxygen levels
• Respiratory failure
• In severe cases, device support may be required

Pneumonia

Pneumonia is an infection caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites that inflame the lungs' air sacs and fill them with fluid.

Symptoms:

• Severe headache
• Sudden dizziness
• Coughing and shivering
• Breathing difficulties
• High fever

Treatment: Early diagnosis can effectively treat pneumonia.

Tuberculosis (TB)

Tuberculosis is a contagious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It primarily affects the lungs but can occasionally involve other organs.

Contagion:

• The bacteria remain dormant until the body's resistance decreases.

Sleep Apnea Syndrome and Sleep Test

Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) is a condition where the upper respiratory tract becomes repeatedly obstructed during sleep, causing respiratory arrest and low oxygen levels.

Symptoms:

• Snoring
• Waking up unrefreshed
• Feeling of suffocation during sleep
• Night sweats
• Morning headaches

Diagnosis: Diagnosis is made through a sleep test (polysomnography). Treatment is carried out collaboratively by chest diseases specialists, ENT specialists, and dentists.

Smoking Addiction and Quitting

Smoking is a significant risk factor for COPD, lung cancer, and heart diseases.

Damages:

• Nicotine causes addiction.
• Combustible gases damage cells.
• Light cigarettes and hookahs are equally harmful.

Treatment: Drug and behavioral therapies are provided by chest diseases specialists.