Pulmonology

What Does the Field of Pulmonology Cover?

Pulmonology is the medical specialty dedicated to diseases of the lungs and airways. Understanding these conditions requires a solid knowledge of basic anatomy and respiratory physiology.

The Function of the Lungs

The primary function of the lungs is to supply the blood with oxygen during breathing and to remove excess carbon dioxide from the body. The lungs are a paired, sponge-like organ with a relatively small weight, yet they occupy a large portion of the chest cavity. They are composed of lobes: the right lung has three lobes, while the left lung is smaller and consists of two lobes, as space is also required for the heart on this side of the chest.

The lungs do not have their own muscles; breathing and gas exchange are driven by the movement of the chest wall and the diaphragm.

Inhaled air passes through the nasal cavity, the pharynx, the larynx, and the trachea, then travels through the system of bronchi and bronchioles before reaching the alveoli, where gas exchange takes place.

Which Conditions Fall Within the Scope of Pulmonology?

Asthma

Asthma is a disease of the airways, the exact cause of which is still not fully understood. In individuals with asthma, the airways are particularly sensitive and react excessively to triggering factors, leading to asthma attacks. Identifying and avoiding these triggers is a key aspect of treatment.

Common triggers include respiratory infections, physical exertion, allergens (especially dust), cold air or sudden temperature changes, smoking, and certain medications.

Symptoms may range from brief episodes of breathing difficulty to prolonged attacks and can include shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, weakness, fatigue, and chest tightness.

Allergies

Allergy is an exaggerated immune response to substances that do not cause symptoms in most people. Respiratory allergies may be triggered by pollens (such as ragweed, mugwort, hazel, or poplar), mold spores, animal dander, and dust mites. In Hungary, nearly one quarter of the population is affected by at least one of these allergens.

Typical symptoms include swelling of the mucous membranes, increased secretion, and inflammation, often presenting as a runny or blocked nose and redness of the eyes. Persistent coughing and swelling of the laryngeal mucosa may also occur. In more severe cases, allergies can disrupt sleep and lead to chronic fatigue.

Pneumonia

Pneumonia is an inflammatory condition of the lungs and respiratory system. It is most commonly caused by infectious agents such as viruses or bacteria, but may also result from exposure to irritating gases, smoke, dust, or fungi.

Symptoms include weakness, fever, chills, and coughing. As the condition progresses, shortness of breath, suffocation, and chest pain may develop. Pneumonia often follows a cold or influenza and can be particularly dangerous for elderly patients or individuals with a weakened immune system.

Pulmonary Fibrosis

Pulmonary fibrosis is a relatively rare lung disease, though its incidence has been increasing due to environmental factors. Chronic inflammation develops in the lung tissue as a result of a triggering factor, leading to excessive connective tissue formation and a reduced respiratory surface.

It most commonly affects men over the age of 50, with genetic predisposition and smoking being significant risk factors. Symptoms typically begin with shortness of breath during exertion and progress to breathlessness at rest, accompanied by a dry cough. Fatigue, weight loss, chest pain, bluish discoloration of the lips, and characteristic finger deformities (clubbing) may also occur.

Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is a malignant tumor originating from lung tissue and is one of the most common types of cancer worldwide. If left untreated, it can easily spread to other parts of the body.

The primary risk factor is smoking, though environmental factors such as asbestos exposure, air pollution, and passive smoking also play a role. Primary lung tumors originate in the lung tissue itself, while secondary tumors refer to metastases from cancers elsewhere in the body.

Symptoms include shortness of breath, chronic cough, coughing up blood, and chest pain.

COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)

COPD is an obstructive lung disease characterized by permanent narrowing of the airways. The damage is irreversible, and the original structure of the lungs cannot be restored, making prevention and early intervention especially important.

It is an inflammatory condition that presents with two main components: chronic bronchitis and emphysema. COPD most commonly affects older individuals, smokers, or patients with other chronic lung diseases. Symptoms include shortness of breath, episodes of suffocation, and wheezing.

Pulmonary Embolism

Pulmonary embolism is the blockage of one or more pulmonary arteries, most often caused by a blood clot originating from deep veins in the legs. In rarer cases, air bubbles, bacterial aggregates, or tumor cells may obstruct the vessels.

The risk is higher in patients with cancer or those who have undergone prolonged periods of immobilization. Symptoms include sudden shortness of breath, severe chest pain, palpitations, and rapid heart rate.

Tuberculosis (TB)

Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It primarily affects the lungs but can spread throughout the body, forming infectious foci in various organs.

In latent (inactive) infection, the individual does not transmit the disease. In its active form, tuberculosis can be spread through coughing or even speaking.

Symptoms include fatigue, general malaise, persistent cough, bloody sputum, fever, swollen lymph nodes, and unexplained weight loss.

When Should You See a Pulmonologist?

Diseases of the lungs may lead to serious complications; therefore, a pulmonology consultation is recommended in cases of shortness of breath, suffocation, or chest pain. Prolonged coughing lasting several weeks, persistent urge to cough, chest tightness, or shortness of breath occurring even with minimal exertion or at rest may also warrant specialist evaluation.

Wheezing or whistling breath sounds, unexplained hoarseness, and increased mucus production are further warning signs that should not be ignored.

Pulmonology consultations are also recommended for patients with known lung disease, as well as for individuals with a family history suggesting hereditary lung conditions. Preventive screening is particularly advised over the age of 40 or in cases of regular smoking.

What Happens During a Pulmonology Consultation?

During the initial consultation, the pulmonologist reviews the patient’s medical history in detail and evaluates any previous medical documentation. Based on this information, an individualized diagnostic plan is created.

If not previously performed, lung function tests and imaging studies such as chest X-ray or CT scans may be required. The specialist may also order laboratory blood tests. At the follow-up visit, the results are reviewed, therapy is initiated or adjusted, personalized advice is provided, and the schedule for further check-ups is discussed.

If necessary, the consultation may involve collaboration with specialists from related medical fields.

How to Prepare for the Examination

Please bring all previous medical documentation to your first appointment, especially reports related to pulmonology. If you have had a chest X-ray or CT scan, bring both the written report and the image files, preferably on a CD or other storage device.

Do not forget a list of your current medications, including dosage, and be prepared to inform the doctor of any known allergies. Recent laboratory results may also assist in establishing an accurate diagnosis.

For chest examinations, we recommend wearing comfortable clothing that is easy to remove.

Why Choose Dr. Rose Private Hospital?

• At Dr. Rose Private Hospital, our pulmonology department is staffed by highly qualified and experienced specialists who work with state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment to ensure accurate and efficient evaluations.
• We provide personalized care for every patient. In addition to thoroughly reviewing medical history and relevant family conditions, we pay close attention to individual needs and tailor treatment plans accordingly.
• Empathy and clear communication are at the heart of our approach. From the first consultation through the entire course of treatment, we treat our patients with patience and care, providing transparent and comprehensive information about diagnoses and treatment options.

For any questions related to pulmonology, please feel free to contact the doctors of Dr. Rose Private Hospital with confidence.