Respiratory Medicine: Conditions Treated, Procedures & Lung Care Services

Respiratory medicine is a medical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the lungs and respiratory system. These include conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), sleep apnoea, lung infections, and lung cancer.

At Gleneagles Hospitals, our respiratory medicine department is equipped to manage a wide range of breathing conditions, from acute illnesses to chronic lung diseases, with comprehensive diagnostic and treatment services.

Conditions Treated in Respiratory Medicine

Respiratory specialists diagnose and treat a wide range of lung and breathing conditions, including:

• Bronchial asthma
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including chronic bronchitis and emphysema
• Pneumonia and other lung infections
• Interstitial lung disease
• Occupational-related respiratory diseases
• Sleep apnoea syndrome
• Pulmonary embolism
• Chronic cough
• Bronchiectasis
• Haemoptysis (coughing up blood)
• Lung cancer (diagnosis and staging)

Common Symptoms of Respiratory Conditions

You may be referred to a respiratory specialist if you experience:

• Persistent cough
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing or chest tightness
• Coughing up blood
• Frequent lung infections
• Sleep disturbances related to breathing

Diagnostic Tests Used for Respiratory Conditions

Respiratory conditions are diagnosed using a combination of imaging tests, breathing assessments, and specialised procedures.

Common diagnostic tools include:

• Chest X-ray (radiograph) to detect lung abnormalities
• CT scan of the chest for detailed imaging of lung structures
• Pulmonary function tests (spirometry) to assess lung capacity and airflow
• Polysomnography (sleep study) to diagnose sleep-related breathing disorders
• Chest ultrasound for fluid or structural evaluation

Why Are These Tests Important?

These tests help doctors:

• Identify the cause of symptoms
• Assess the severity of lung disease
• Detect conditions such as infections, tumours, or airway obstruction
• Guide appropriate treatment planning

Procedures Performed in Respiratory Medicine

Respiratory specialists may perform procedures to diagnose or treat lung conditions.

Common procedures include:

• Tube thoracostomy for pleural effusion and pneumothorax
• Needle thoracentesis to remove fluid from the pleural space
• Ultrasound-guided thoracentesis or thoracostomy for improved accuracy
• Pleural biopsy to examine lung lining tissue
• Bronchoscopy to visualise airways and perform procedures such as foreign body removal
• Allergy testing to identify triggers for respiratory conditions