Human beings require oxygen to survive. The system that helps in the exchange of gases i.e. uptake of oxygen and removal of carbon dioxide from the body is known as the respiratory system. The branch of medicine that focuses specifically on diagnosing and treating disorders of the respiratory system is called pulmonology and the doctor specializing in this field is known as a pulmonologist. To get the best pulmonology treatment in India you can check out Mediflam offering guidance and medical services.

The respiratory system consists of the nose, pharynx, larynx, trachea and finally the lungs. The complex pressure-volume relationships that occurs via the mechanical ventilation performed by the process of breathing helps to achieve the goal of respiration. The air flows through the nose and then enters the trachea. From here the trachea branches into the right bronchus and the left bronchus into respective lungs. The bronchus then divides further, to ultimately form the terminal bronchiole and then the alveolus. This is the final place where the actual gas exchange occurs. This process is called the alveolar ventilation. There are numerous alveoli present in each lung. The walls of the alveolus are very thin and the gases flow in and out through it by a process called diffusion. The difference in the pressure and concentration across the walls of alveoli helps in this process.

Apart from its important function of respiration, the respiratory system performs many non-respiratory functions that are very important for the normal functioning of the body. These include :

  • It provides route for the loss of water and elimination of heat. The humidification of the air breathed in is essential to prevent the drying out of alveolar linings. Heat is lost when the air is breathed out because of the high heat capacity of water. This can be observed on a cold day when the breathed out air condenses.
  • It helps to maintain acid-base balance by altering the hydrogen ions produced in carbon dioxide in the breathed out air. 
  • It helps in speech, singing and other vocalization
  • It has a defensive action against foreign matter that is breathed in along with air. This is achieved primarily through sneezing and coughing. It has a protective lining of mucus and the underlying cilia that transport mucus with any deposited material to the esophagus, where it is swallowed.
  • It also helps in vomiting by creating large pressures.
  • It acts on many biological substances passing through the pulmonary circulation.
  • The nose that is a part of the respiratory system acts as organ of smell.
  • The muscles of the respiratory system help in creating large pressures needed during childbirth. The same respiratory muscles are also used during defecation that is during passing stool. 
  • The lungs also provide a reservoir of blood for the left side of the heart
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Frequently asked questions about Pulmonology

What are the diseases treated under pulmonology?

Various diseases come under the field of pulmonology. Respiratory diseases can be treated by pulmonologist in India which are available on our website. The principal ones include : 

  • Asthma
  • Chronic bronchitis
  • emphysema
  • COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease). This disease is the current term that includes both chronic bronchitis and emphysema
  • Bronchiectasis
  • Pulmonary fibrosis
  • Sarcoidosis
  • Rheumatoid lung disease

Occupational lung diseases

  • Asbestosis
  • Byssinosis (brown lung disease)
  • Farmer’s lung
  • Hypersensitivity pneumonitis
  • Silicosis
Can chronic asthma be treated in India?

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease and is usually triggered by allergens. The main medications used are mostly that control the symptoms but doesn’t cure the disease. India is the birthplace of Ayurveda which is an ancient scientific practice of medicine that has been in use for more than 5000 years. It focusses on eradicating the root cause rather than just treating the symptoms. Ayurveda with naturopathy can offer some form of alternative treatment for chronic diseases like asthma and other pulmonary disorders.

How successful are lung transplants in India?

The success rate of lung transplants is more than 85% in India. Increase in lifespan for 1 year is around 80% and for 5 years is around 50%. 

What is COPD? Can it be managed effectively?

COPD refers to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and is usually combination of chronic bronchitis and emphysema, and is usually caused by smoking in more than 80% of the cases. It is an obstructive lung disease that is progressive and worsens with time. The main symptoms include cough, shortness of breath, chest tightness and limited physical activity. It can be managed effectively by the use of drugs known as bronchodilators that improve airflow by dilating the bronchi.

Can coronavirus cause lung fibrosis?

Coronavirus infection can cause problems in the lungs. If the lung involvement is quite significant, lung fibrosis may occur which forms a hard tissue instead of the soft spongy characteristic of normal lung. If a large area is involved, a lung transplant may also be required.

Does severe lung fibrosis necessitate a lung transplant?

Yes, severe lung fibrosis causes loss of function of the normal lungs and transplant becomes mandatory. Know more about the best pulmonary treatment in India with Mediflam. 

What are the treatments available for lung cancer in India?

Many modalities are used for the treatment of lung cancer. These include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, stereotactic body radiotherapy, targeted drug therapy, immunotherapy or a combination of any of the above modalities.

Which are the best hospitals for pulmonology in India?

India is home to some of the best hospitals and pulmonologists and the best pulmonology treatment is available at an affordable price. Some of the best hospitals include:

  • Manipal hospital, Bangalore
  • Fortis group of hospitals
  • Columbia Asia group of hospitals
  • Jaslok hospital, Mumbai
  • Nanavati hospital, Mumbai
  • KMC hospital, Mangalore
  • S L Raheja hospital, Mumbai
  • KokilabenDhirubhaiAmbani hospital, Mumbai
  • Medanta, the Medicity hospital

Recent Articles

Multiple diseases can occur that affect the respiratory system. This can include disease in any organ of the respiratory system but most diseases that occur are due to diseases of the lungs. In modern times, respiratory diseases have increased to a great extent due to decreased quality of air caused by pollution, sedentary lifestyles and smoking as a habit. Smoking has been implicated in a number of lung diseases. It can cause inflammatory reactions leading to development of diseases. It also affects the cilia that have an important function of transporting mucus and thus helping to remove foreign material that enters with the air that is inhaled.

Respiratory diseases can be cured by numerous pulmonology treatment in India. You can get information for the same on Mediflam’s website assuring the best of medical facilities. The most common diseases of the respiratory system are:

  • Asthma
  • Chronic bronchitis
  • emphysema
  • COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease). This disease is the current term that includes both chronic bronchitis and emphysema
  • Bronchiectasis
  • Pulmonary fibrosis
  • Sarcoidosis
  • Rheumatoid lung disease
Occupational lung diseases

    • Asbestosis
    • Byssinosis (brown lung disease)
    • Farmer’s lung
    • Hypersensitivity pneumonitis
    • Silicosis
    Read more..
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