1.Who is a Pulmonologist /Lung specialist/Chest Physician?

Ans: A pulmonologist is a doctor who specialises in treating diseases affecting lungs or respiratory system, like Asthma, COPD, lung infections like pneumonia, TB, COVID, Sleep disorders, interstitial lung diseases, pleural effusions.

2.When should I See a pulmonologist?

Ans: You should see a pulmonologist if you have      complaints such as:
long term cough/wheezing
coughing out blood
breathing difficulty
excess phlegm / sputum 
chest tightness
snoring with excessive sleep during daytime
chest pain with cough
cough with unresponding fever or weight loss
Chronic smoker with new cough or change in voice
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3. Who is an Interventional Pulmonologist?
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Ans: Interventional Pulmonologist is a specialist pulmonologist who performs MINIMALLY  INVASIVE procedures like Bronchoscopy or Thoracoscopy to diagnose  and treat complex lung, airway and pleural diseases. 
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4.What is Bronchoscopy? Is it painful?
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Ans: Bronchoscopy is a procedure that allows pulmonologist to look inside lungs using a thin tube with camera. With the help of Rigid Bronchoscopy or Endo bronchial ultrasound (EBUS), biopsy of lung tumour, stent placement and foreign body removal can be performed. It is done under local anaesthesia and mild sedation and it is not painful.
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5.What is thoracoscopy?
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Ans: It is a procedure where a tube like instrument with camera is passed into the pleural cavity (area between lung and chest wall)  to visualise and treat abnormalities like tumour,blood,pus  and diagnose unknown causes of pleural effusions .
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6.What is Thoracentesis or Pleural Tapping?
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Ans: It is a procedure to remove fluid from the pleural cavity which surrounds the lung. It helps to take out a sample of fluid for testing in order to know the cause of fluid collection (TB, pneumonia, cancer) and also helps in relieving breathlessness and chest pain.
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7.What are the benefits of Interventional Pulmonology compared to traditional procedures?
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Ans: In Interventional pulmonology , specialised instruments with camera (eg. Rigid Bronchoscope, EBUS, Thoracoscope) are used under image guidance to achieve desired results with less complications. There is less tissue damage, less pain, less bleeding, faster recovery compared to traditional open surgery.
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8. How can I improve my lung health?
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Ans:
1.Quit smoking / Vaping and avoid second hand smoke.
2. If Indoor / Oudoor pollution is too high (high AQI ) use air purifiers.
3.Regular exercise such as walking or swimming to improve lung health. 
4. Practise deep breathing exercises  in which a person should focus on slow and deep 'breathing in' through nose followed by slow 'breathing out ' through mouth. It improves oxygen levels in blood, reduces stress and anxiety. 
5. Eat a balanced diet rich in antioxidants (fruits and vegitables) 
6. Allergic and asthmatic patients should avoid allergens
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 AIR QUALITY INDEX  (AQI):  
PICTURES SUGGESTIVE OF  MODERATE  AQI IN VIZAG.​​





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A Low AQI ( 0 to 50 ) indicates good air quality.
The current  AQI of vizag is 77 to 79 (Moderate).
A visible haze or light smog over parts of the city and the partially faded land marks indicate air pollution. It is due to industrial pollution,construction activities and vehicular emissions.
 
 
 
 
 
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