The Pulmonary Medicine department provides an active diagnostic and therapeutic service to the hospital that covers the entire spectrum of respiratory disorders. In addition to in-patients and ICU patients, OPDs are conducted daily. A state-of-the-art lung function laboratory assesses PFT of at least 30 patients daily.
Services Provided
- Inpatient management and referrals
- Chest OPD
- Sleep studies (Polysomnography)
- Assessment for domiciliary non-invasive ventilatory support
- Bronchoscopy service including BAL
- Transbronchial lung biopsies and Wang-needle biopsies,
- Complete pulmonary (lung) function testing
What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?
It is a syndrome characterized by repeated collapse of the upper airway during sleep causing decreased airflow (Hypopnea) and cessation of airflow (apnea) which result in sleep fragmentation with frequent arousals which called neuropsychiatric symptoms such as excessive day-time sleepiness, personality changes, mental deterioration and impotence.
What is the treatment for my OSA?
A simple machine called CPAP (Continuous positive airway pressure) is the treatment of choice for OSA.CPAP delivers lightly pressurized air through a small nose mask which helps to keep upper airway open and prevent apneas.
Why CPAP? Why not only weight reduction?
Weight reduction may help you reducing your symptoms but this is not the complete cure for your OSA.
CPAP will cause immediate relief of your symptoms.In some patients, it may turn out to be a life-saving measure.
Whom do i need to consult for my OSA?
A pulmonologist (chest physician) with sound knowledge of sleep medicine needs to be consulted. You need to undergo a simple test called “sleep-study” to detect your OSA Sleep study involveS overnight monitoring of your sleep related parameters, oxygen levels with the help of small electrodes.