Chest Diseases
In our Chest Diseases Clinic, we conduct examinations, diagnoses, and tests (including radiological imaging, pulmonary function tests, and necessary blood and sputum tests) for patients who present with complaints related to the respiratory tract such as cough, sputum, shortness of breath, wheezing, and chest pain.
Asthma:
Asthma is a condition that can affect individuals of all ages and is characterized by intermittent obstruction of the airways due to genetic and environmental factors. It involves hypersensitivity of the airways to dust, odors, smoke, and various allergens. Non-microbial inflammation leads to swelling of the bronchial walls, causing symptoms like cough, shortness of breath, chest tightness, wheezing, and obstruction. Narrowing of the airways can be detected in pulmonary function tests. Between attacks, breathing can return to normal. Asthma can be controlled with treatment; however, if left untreated, it can become a chronic condition that affects daily life.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD):
COPD is a non-microbial inflammation of the airways caused by smoking and inhalation of other harmful gases and particles. It often occurs in individuals over 40 years old, leading to emphysema, where air trapped in the small air sacs (alveoli) cannot be expelled, causing respiratory insufficiency. Chronic bronchitis involves edema and excessive proliferation of mucus-secreting glands in the airways, resulting in increased mucus production and airway narrowing. COPD is a condition where emphysema and chronic bronchitis coexist, leading to prolonged symptoms such as shortness of breath, cough, and sputum production, particularly in winter. Early diagnosis can prevent progression.
Lung Cancer:
Lung cancer, which increases in parallel with smoking, arises from uncontrolled proliferation of abnormal cells in the lung tissues. Mutations in cell DNA occur due to aging and environmental factors (such as smoking, asbestos, radon gas, air pollution). This process leads to the formation of cancerous cells. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in both sexes worldwide. Common symptoms include cough, chest, shoulder, and back pain, sputum production, shortness of breath, hoarseness, wheezing, and weight loss. Early-stage diagnosis can lead to a complete response to treatment.
Pneumonia:
The medical term for pneumonia is pneumonitis. It is an inflammatory condition of the lungs caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microorganisms. It is more common in individuals over 65, those with chronic diseases, smokers, and those taking immunosuppressive medications. Main symptoms include fever, cough, sputum production, chest pain, and fatigue. For patients presenting with these symptoms, examination is followed by chest X-rays, blood tests, sputum sample analysis, and, if necessary, Computed Tomography (CT) scans to initiate appropriate antibiotic and supportive treatments. The treatment duration can extend up to 21 days depending on recovery speed. Pneumonia typically starts suddenly but can be treated quickly and completely with proper care.
