Dr. Yasir Nasir, Chest Specialist, Best Pulmonologist, Sarcoidosis, COPD Specialist, Asthma Specialist
Consultant Pulmonologist & Chest Specialist
MBBS, FCPS
Assistant Professor Dept of Pulmonology, Mayo Hospital, Lahore.
Services
- Asthma
- COPD
- Emphysema
- Interstitial lung disease
- Lung cancer
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Pulmonary hypertension
- Tuberculosis
- Bronchiectasis
- Bronchitis
- Pneumonia
- COVID-19 pneumonia
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Who is a Pulmonologist / Chest Specialist?
A pulmonologist is a specialized doctor who diagnosis, treat, and manage diseases related to the lungs and respiratory system. These doctors have complete knowledge of the function and structure of the lungs, airways, and chest. Medical conditions that make it difficult to breathe, such as pneumonia asthma, tuberculosis, lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are treated by pulmonologists. Since respiratory issues can also affect other organs that is why pulmonologist usually work combined with other specialists, such as cardiologists or thoracic surgeons.
What is Pulmonology?
Pulmonology is a separate branch of internal medicine that focus on the study of the respiratory tract, including the lungs, trachea, bronchi, and diaphragm. It addresses that how the lungs work, tells us about diseases that affect breathing, and also discuss the best ways to diagnose and treat these issues. Sleep-related breathing disorders, such as sleep apnea, and occupational lung diseases that are caused by environment or chemical exposure, are also covered in pulmonology.
How to Become a Pulmonologist?
It takes several years of education to become a pulmonologist. For start, they must complete a five-year Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree from a reputed medical college. After completing MBBS house job (internship) for almost a year is required to gain experience. Then the doctor must complete postgraduate education in internal medicine, which usually takes three to four years. fFrther specialization can be persue through an FCPS (Fellowship of the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan), MD, or equivalent program. Along with continuous education, research, and hands-on practice in hospitals and respiratory care units are also part of this journey.
When Should You See a Pulmonologist / Chest Specialist in Lahore?
If a person is experiencing long term breathing issues or chronic respiratory symptoms, he or she must visit pulmonologist. Some common warning signs are, persistent cough for weeks, shortness of breath, chest pain, wheezing, or coughing up blood. People who are suffering from chest infections frequently, asthma, or sleep apnea should also consult a pulmonologist. People who have a family history of lung problems should go for regular check-ups as they are at a higher risk.
What are the main Areas of Concern of a Pulmonologist?
Pulmonologists encounter multiple respiratory issues, including both acute and chronic conditions. Their most common areas of concern are:
- Asthma and allergies: Controlling airways due inflammation and hypersensitivity.
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): They also cure long-term airflow limitation, that is oftenly caused by smoking.
- Lung infections: pulmonologist also deal with lung infections such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and tuberculosis.
- Interstitial lung diseases: they also treat conditions that affect lung tissue, such as pulmonary fibrosis.• Sleep disorders: obstructive sleep apnea and snoring-related breathing problems are also treat by pulmonologists .
- Lung cancer: Early detection, diagnosis, and coordination with oncologist are also part of pulmonologist’s job.
- Occupational and environmental lung diseases: Caused by exposure to dust, smoke, or chemicals.
What are the most Common Lung Disorders in Lahore?
Air pollution and smog have caused great respiratory diseases in Lahore. Some common diseases include:
- Asthma
- COPD
- Bronchitis
- Pneumonia
- Tuberculosis
- Dust and smoke-induced allergies
- Respiratory infections are more common in winter because of the quality of the air.
What are the types of Pulmonologists in Pakistan?
In Pakistan, pulmonologists are divided on the basis of their field of specialty such as:
- General Pulmonologists: Test usual respiratory problems like asthma, pneumonia and COPD.
- Critical Care Pulmonologists: Manage patients in ICU who need ventilator support
- Interventional Pulmonologists: They direct procedures such as bronchoscopy, thoracentesis, and lung biopsies.
- Pediatric Pulmonologists: Who deals with lung diseases in children and new-borns.
- Sleep Medicine Specialists: sleep-related respiratory conditions are handled by them.
What are the methods of Diagnosis Utilized by Pulmonologists?
There are different diagnostic methods used by pulmonologists to study lung function and diagnose abnormalities. Some of the common methods include:
- Chest X-rays and CT scans to examine lungs thoroughly and to see any infections or tumors in it.
- Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) to calculate breathing capacity and airflow.
- Bronchoscopy to visualize airways with a help of flexible camera and taking some tissue samples.• Sputum tests to diagnose infections like tuberculosis .
- Arterial blood gas tests to analyze oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in lungs.
- Polysomnography (sleep studies) to identify sleep apnea.
How Does a Pulmonologist Treat Diseases?
It depends on the seriousness and type of the lung disease. For less serious diseases such as asthma or bronchitis, inhalers, bronchodilators, and corticosteroids can be prescribed. Bacterial infections are treated with antibiotics. In chronic diseases like COPD, oxygen therapy and pulmonary rehabilitation programs help to breathe better. Interventional pulmonologists can perform minimally invasive procedures such as bronchoscopy for clearing obstructions or biopsies. For extensive or critical diseases, including cancer or fibrosis of the lungs, pulmonologists work in collaboration with oncologists and surgeons to offer chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgery. Preventive measure such as immunization, quitting smoking, and avoiding pollution are also helpful for long-term lung well-being.