Pulmology

Pulmology-respiratory care medicine deals with the diseases of the respiratory  system. When there is sickness or dysfunction of the respiratory organs symptoms like cough, mucus expectoration or dyspnea can appear. Common diseases  of the airways are asthma bronchiale, which goes along with attacks of dyspnoe and wheezing, the chronic bronchitis and lung emphysema, which may lead to dyspnea on exertion and cough with persistent mucus expectoration. The latter is called COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).

Other dysfunctions of the broncho-pulmonary system can be caused  by infectious diseases like bacterial or viral pneumonia (e.g. Pneumococcus-pneumonia or pneumonia caused by influenza-virus infection). Another example of an infectious disease of the lung is the so-called Legionnaires’ disease, caused by legionella bacteria. Viral infections like chickenpox or german measles can sometimes lead to pneumonia.

Disturbance of blood circulation in the lung can be caused by pulmonary embolism. This condition sometimes results out of a deep vein thrombosis and can lead to sudden dyspnea and thoracic pain. Some patients can develop cough with bloody sputum. Deep vein thrombosis that is caused by narrow seating on long-distance-flights is also called “economy class syndrom“.

We can offer the following diagnostic procedures for private patients or self-payers:

Bodyplethysmography:
This examination in the lung function lab allows a precise measurement of total lung volume and of possible airway obstruction. Furthermore it can prove the presence of lung inflation (lung emphysema).  This is not possible with the commonly used spirometry.

CO-Diffusion:
This examination measures gas exchange between airways, lung tissue and blood, which is the main function of the lungs. Many medical conditions like congestive heart failure, lung fibrosis, airway obstruction or compromised blood flow lead to a reduction in gas exchange, which can be proved with this diagnostic tool.

Bronchial Provocation:
In case of cough of unknown origin, wheezing and sudden dyspnea, there is a likelihood of airway hyperreactivity, which is often the case at the beginning of bronchial asthma. This hyperreactivity can be diagnosed with the Bronchial-Provocation-test.

Ultrasound of thoraxic organs:
Lung surface, pleura, diaphragm and the heart can be visualized with the help of ultrasound.
Pleural effusions, pleuritis, dysfunction of the diaphragm and other medical conditions of the thorax organs can be diagnosed without using x-ray.

Allergy diagnostics:
The first diagnostic step in the work-up of suspected hay fever is a skin-test (Prick-Test). In case of doubt additional blood tests can be performed.
Since a thorough ENT-examination is necessary in case of hay fever we have a close cooperation with Frau Dr. Gretschel and her ENT-practice close to our own location.