The chest diseases unit deals with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases related to the respiratory system, lungs and chest wall. In this department, patients with symptoms such as shortness of breath, cough, sputum production, and wheezing due to different reasons are examined. Diseases such as lung cancer, asthma, COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), bronchitis, as well as more serious conditions such as sleep apnea, pulmonary embolism (blockage of the lung vessels) and pulmonary hypertension are examined in this unit. In addition, lung injuries caused by smoking or occupational reasons are also treated by the specialists of the pulmonology unit. Disorders caused by respiratory tract infections are also within the field of expertise of this department. To summarize;
- Lung cancer and benign tumors of the lung, lung nodules
- Asthma and allergic diseases
- Lower respiratory tract and lung infections such as bronchitis, bronchiolitis, tracheitis, pneumonia
- COVID-19 and related diseases
- Interstitial lung diseases
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS)
- Pleura (lung membrane) diseases such as pleural effusion and pleuritis
- Pulmonary Hypertension
- Pulmonary thromboembolism
- Occupational lung diseases such as silicosis and asbestosis
- Tuberculosis (tuberculosis)
What Treatments Does the Department of Chest Diseases Apply?
The department of pulmonary diseases focuses on diseases of the respiratory system and chest area. Experts in this field deal with many different diseases such as asthma, COPD, lung cancer and pneumonia. Treatment methods are also quite wide. The chest diseases unit treats respiratory diseases as well as problems such as sleep apnea. Many different treatment methods are applied, such as respiratory devices, medications, and surgical interventions. Doctors working in this field also provide preventive health services. It helps patients live healthier lives with preventive health services such as smoking cessation programs. The pulmonology unit specializes in diseases of the respiratory tract and chest area with comprehensive diagnosis and treatment options. It is aimed to increase the quality of life of patients thanks to the services provided by specialist doctors.
In what cases should you apply to the Chest Diseases Unit?
The chest diseases unit deals with many respiratory diseases. For this reason, people with complaints such as cough, shortness of breath, and sputum production should apply to the chest diseases unit. In addition, chronic respiratory diseases such as bronchitis, asthma and COPD are also treated in this unit. In addition to lung diseases caused by smoking, infections such as pneumonia and tuberculosis are also treated in the chest diseases unit. In addition, sleep disorders such as sleep apnea are also within the field of expertise of this unit. Chest pain and masses are also examined in the pulmonology unit. It is important to consult the chest diseases unit for early diagnosis, especially in cases of suspected cancer.
Lung and Pleura Biopsies: Taking pathological samples is of great importance in the diagnosis of some diseases in the lung or pleura tissues. For this purpose, tissue samples can be taken from the skin (percutaneous–transthoracic) or bronchoscopy.
Bronchoscopy: The procedure in which the lower respiratory tract is directly visualized with the help of a device containing a camera is called bronchoscopy. With this device, the doctor can directly examine the trachea, bronchi and their branches, and perform procedures such as biopsy for memory purposes.
Polysomnography: For the diagnosis of sleep apnea syndromes, where breathing temporarily stops during sleep, the polysomnography test, which is based on monitoring patients in the hospital while they wake up, can be evaluated by the department of pulmonology.
PPD Test: Conducted to detect tuberculosis infection, the PPD test determines the severity of the body's inflammatory reaction to the tuberculin substance injected under the skin.
Respiratory Function Test: Respiratory function test (SIT), which allows obtaining numerical data about the air capacity of the lungs and respiratory physiology, is a priority among the examinations performed by the department of chest diseases.
Thoracentesis: Interventions for the drainage of this fluid, especially when fluid accumulates above normal between the lung membranes (pleural membranes), are considered within the scope of thoracentesis.
Pulmonologists use lung radiography, thorax computed tomography (CT) and lung scans in addition to patient history and physical examination findings to diagnose and monitor relevant health problems.
What are Chest Diseases?
Pulmonary diseases is a branch of science that covers many diseases related to the respiratory system. Symptoms of these diseases include symptoms such as shortness of breath, cough, phlegm production, chest pain and wheezing. Asthma, COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), lung cancer, tuberculosis and pneumonia are among the most common chest diseases. In addition, many diseases that occur due to different reasons such as bronchitis, pulmonary embolism (blockage of the lung vessels), acute respiratory infections, and interstitial lung diseases are also considered within the scope of chest diseases.
