Chest Diseases

The main diseases falling within the treatment scope of the Chest Diseases Department are Lung Cancer, Asthma, Allergy, Bronchitis, Pneumonia, Pleuritis, Sarcoidosis, Pneumothorax, and Pulmonary Embolism. Along with advanced radiological imaging techniques available at all of our hospitals for the diagnosis of these diseases, several other opportunities such as Respiratory Function Laboratory, allergy tests, and bronchoscopy device are put at the disposal of our physician staff as part of modern treatment services furnished to our patients.

IMPORTANCE OF EARLY DIAGNOSIS

In cases suffering from advanced disease, the most frequently seen complaints include persistent cough, phlegm, and in particular labored breathing when walking or climbing up a hill. Since the disease is generally of insidious nature, sometimes it may remain unnoticed by the patient until the disease reaches advanced stages. Moreover, the patient may not experience any complaints in early stages of the disease. Therefore, individuals above the age of 40 or who are a current or ex-smoker or who are exposed to dusty atmospheres due to their occupation or because of their social environment are advised to consult a chest disease specialist and get a respiratory function test done if they suffer at least one of chronic cough, phlegm, or labored breathing complaints.

MEASURES TO BE TAKEN

Quit smoking, take under control any environmental or occupational second-hand smoke, long-term treatment, and treatment of acute attacks. Measures to be taken to get COPD under control include proper nutrition, regular exercise program under the control of a physician, regular sleep, and avoidance of smoking environments.

What is COPD?

COPD is a common chronic disease that requires a tough treatment process and is mainly caused by smoking and inhalation of hazardous dust particles, while COPD is the fourth most common cause of death.

COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) is a progressive lung disease associated with non-microbial inflammation of the respiratory tract. The causes of COPD include:

• Inhalation of occupational hazardous gases or particles (micro-particles).
• Active smoking.
• Air pollution.

SYMPTOMS OF COPD

• Cough
• Expectoration
• Coughing up blood
• Labored breathing
• Chest tightness
• Wheezing
• Decrease in blood oxygen saturation levels, and
• Foot swelling resulting from cardiac insufficiency.

IMPACT OF COPD ON THE BODY

• Constriction of the respiratory tract, causing decreased air flow to the lungs.
• Thickening and swelling of respiratory tract walls.
• Contraction of muscles that surround the respiratory tract.
• Increased phlegm production in the respiratory tract, causing occlusions.
• Chest tightness due to obstructed discharge of air from the alveola as result of occlusions.