Pulmonology
Pulmonary Investigations:
Pulmonary function tests: analysis of lung volume and diffusion capacity in patients affected by chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma or COPD. These tests are also a crucial component of preoperative assessments for thoracic and cardiac surgery, and dyspnea (shortness of breath) assessments. These exams generally take place in a specialized room, but can be performed while the patient is in bed, using a small portable device.
Stress tests: six-minute walk test supervised by a nurse to measure the distance walked in six minutes, with evaluation of dyspnea, oxygen rate during the test and pulse rate; VO2 max (analysis of oxygen consumption) which measures physical exertion tolerance and, in difficult cases, may indicate a cardiac or respiratory cause for shortness of breath.
DLCO measurement (diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide):a quick and simple test that requires a brief apnea, to evaluate ease of gas exchange.
Bronchial provocation:these tests aim to identify bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and are conducted under medical supervision.
The Pulmonary Unit provides screening and treatment for all respiratory diseases:
Chronic respiratory diseases: asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchiectasis, chronic respiratory failure
Acute or chronic respiratory infections: bronchitis, pneumonia, infectious pleurisy, tuberculosis
Chronic or persistent cough
Acute or chronic respiratory discomfort
Malignant and benign lung tumors
Pulmonary vascular diseases: pulmonary embolism, pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the lungs)
Acute or chronic interstitial lung diseases, with known or unknown cause, sometimes combined with more general disorders
Sleep-related respiratory disorders: sleep apnea; obesity hypoventilation syndrome; nighttime (and sometimes daytime) respiration monitoring and follow-up
Acute pathologies: pulmonary, pleural, infectious, immunoallergic, vascular etc.