Pulmonology

The Pulmonology clinic deals with the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of acute and chronic diseases of the respiratory system (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, interstitial lung disease, lung and pleural tumours, sarcoidosis).
Personalised education and rehabilitation programmes have been developed for these conditions. We carry out: lung function tests, fibre-optic bronchoscopy, bronchial biopsies, brushing, BAL, bronchial aspirates, thoracentesis and intracavitary treatment of pleural effusions.

Together with Allergology, the clinic diagnoses and treats the following conditions, in both adults and children:

• respiratory allergies, in particular seasonal and perennial rhinitis and asthma, including those caused by occupational allergens;
• allergic conjunctivitis;
• food allergies or intolerances;
• chronic urticaria;
• contact and occupational dermatitis.

To assess these conditions correctly the following tests are available: prick tests for seasonal and perennial inhalants; prick tests for foods; the full GIRDCA 30-allergen patch test series; PRIST; complete RAST for inhalants and foods; spirometry.
For patients with chronic urticaria we carry out all routine blood tests, as well as autoantibody tests, viral and parasitic serology, stool tests for parasites, dental X-rays and any further ultrasound or radiological examinations needed.

The airways and lungs can be affected by diseases caused by bacteria, viruses and toxic substances (gases, dust, etc.), as well as by tumours; the former can easily enter the respiratory system with the air we breathe. The main conditions include:

the common cold, sinusitis, flu, pharyngitis, laryngitis, asthma, cough, whooping cough, bronchitis, pneumonia, bronchopneumonia, tuberculosis, pleurisy, pneumothorax, emphysema, respiratory failure, nasal obstruction by foreign bodies and lung cancer.