Your lungs are fundamental to every breath you take, and when it comes to respiratory health, expert care is essential. Healing Hospital has a team of some of the best pulmonologists in Chandigarh, dedicated to providing comprehensive and compassionate care for your respiratory system. Whether you’re seeking prevention, diagnosis, or treatment for lung conditions, our team of specialists is here to support you every step of the way. As one of the leading hospitals for pulmonology in Chandigarh, we offer advanced medical solutions combined with personalised care to ensure you receive the best possible treatment.
Who is a Pulmonologist (Chest Specialist)?
A pulmonologist, also known as a chest specialist or respiratory physician, is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases of the respiratory system—including the lungs, airways, chest wall, and the muscles involved in breathing.
Pulmonologists are trained to perform advanced diagnostic procedures such as bronchoscopy, pulmonary function testing, and sleep studies, and manage critically ill patients requiring ventilator support in respiratory intensive care units. They work closely with other specialists including cardiologists, oncologists, thoracic surgeons, and critical care physicians to provide comprehensive care for patients with respiratory conditions affecting multiple organ systems.
Schedule Your Appointment with
Our Expert Doctors
We are dedicated to driving lasting, positive transformation in healthcare management through innovation and patient-centered solutions.
What Does a Pulmonologist Do?
Pulmonologists play a critical role in maintaining respiratory health and managing various lung and breathing conditions. Here's a breakdown of their key responsibilities and the services they provide:
Diagnosing Respiratory Conditions
Pulmonologists are experts in diagnosing a broad range of lung-related issues, from mild symptoms like persistent cough to more complex conditions, such as COPD or lung cancer. They use advanced diagnostic tools including spirometry, chest X-rays, CT scans, and bronchoscopy to identify the root cause of symptoms, ensuring that the correct diagnosis is made for effective treatment.
Comprehensive Respiratory Assessments
Pulmonologists perform thorough physical examinations to evaluate lung health, looking for signs of underlying issues such as wheezing, reduced breath sounds, or chest abnormalities. They order and interpret a variety of tests, including pulmonary function tests (PFTs), arterial blood gas analysis, sleep studies, and bronchoscopy, which help in assessing the lungs' function, oxygen exchange capacity, and structural integrity. These assessments allow them to develop an accurate understanding of the patient's condition and decide on the best course of action.
Managing Chronic Respiratory Conditions
Pulmonologists are involved in the long-term management of chronic lung diseases such as asthma, COPD, interstitial lung disease, and pulmonary fibrosis. They work with patients to monitor symptoms, adjust treatment plans with inhalers and medications, provide pulmonary rehabilitation, and prevent further complications. Their goal is to improve quality of life, preserve lung function, and reduce the risk of serious health events like respiratory failure or lung infections.
Personalised Treatment Plans
Based on the diagnosis, pulmonologists recommend personalised treatment plans that may include medication (inhalers, antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs), oxygen therapy, breathing exercises, pulmonary rehabilitation, and surgical interventions when necessary. They also help in managing risk factors like smoking, environmental exposures, and occupational hazards, which can contribute to lung disease.
Prevention and Early Intervention
Pulmonologists emphasise preventive care, educating patients on how to reduce the risk of respiratory diseases through smoking cessation, vaccination (flu, pneumonia, COVID-19), air quality awareness, and regular health screenings. They intervene early to treat risk factors and conditions before they develop into more serious lung issues, improving overall respiratory health and longevity.
In summary, pulmonologists are pivotal in diagnosing, treating, and preventing a wide variety of respiratory conditions, helping patients maintain optimal lung health through comprehensive care.
Conditions Treated by Pulmonologists at Healing Hospital, Chandigarh
At Healing Hospital, our expert pulmonologists are committed to providing comprehensive and personalised care for a wide range of respiratory conditions. Using advanced diagnostic tools and treatments, we ensure that every patient receives the best possible care tailored to their specific needs. Some of the respiratory conditions routinely treated by our team:
Asthma
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways that causes wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and coughing. Our pulmonologists offer expert diagnosis and provide treatment options including personalised asthma action plans to prevent attacks and maintain control.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
COPD is a progressive lung disease causing airflow limitation and breathing difficulties, typically from smoking or environmental exposure. At Healing Hospital, we provide comprehensive COPD management, smoking cessation programmes, and advanced treatments like non-invasive ventilation for severe cases.
Chronic Cough
Persistent cough lasting more than 8 weeks can indicate various underlying conditions. Our specialists conduct thorough evaluation to identify causes (asthma, reflux, post-nasal drip, chronic bronchitis) and provide targeted treatment to resolve symptoms.
Tuberculosis (TB)
TB is a serious bacterial infection primarily affecting the lungs. Our pulmonologists provide expert diagnosis and offer complete treatment with standard anti-TB therapy, drug-resistant TB management, and complete monitoring to ensure cure and prevent transmission.
Pneumonia and Lung Infections
Pneumonia involves inflammation and infection of the lung tissue caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. We offer prompt diagnosis, appropriate antibiotic therapy, hospitalisation for severe cases.
Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD)
ILD encompasses a group of disorders causing progressive lung scarring (pulmonary fibrosis), leading to breathlessness and reduced oxygen levels. Our team provides specialised diagnostic workup and sometimes lung biopsy, immunosuppressive therapy when indicated, and supportive care including oxygen therapy and pulmonary rehabilitation.
Bronchiectasis
Permanent airway widening causing recurrent infections and mucus production, requiring antibiotics, airway clearance techniques, and preventive strategies.
Pleural Effusion
Fluid accumulation around lungs causing breathlessness, requiring diagnostic thoracentesis and treatment of underlying cause.
Sarcoidosis
Inflammatory disease causing lung granulomas and breathing problems, managed with corticosteroids and immunosuppressive therapy.
Allergic Rhinitis & Asthma
Allergic airway inflammation affecting nose and lungs, treated with allergen avoidance, medications, and immunotherapy.
Pulmonary Hypertension
Pulmonary hypertension involves elevated blood pressure in lung arteries causing breathlessness and fatigue. We offer specialised diagnostic testing and comprehensive monitoring to manage this serious condition.
Lung Cancer Screening and Management
Early detection of lung cancer significantly improves survival rates. Our pulmonologists offer screening programmes for high-risk individuals (heavy smokers), diagnostic bronchoscopy with biopsy and endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) for accurate staging, and coordination with oncology for comprehensive cancer treatment planning.
Our team at Healing Hospital offers a multidisciplinary approach to respiratory care, ensuring that each patient receives a tailored treatment plan to manage their condition effectively. We are dedicated to providing the highest quality of care, supporting our patients in improving their lung health and overall well-being.
Advanced Diagnostic Tests Ordered by Pulmonologists
Pulmonologists utilize a comprehensive range of advanced diagnostic tests to accurately diagnose respiratory conditions and guide treatment decisions. These sophisticated investigations provide detailed information about lung function, structure, and disease severity:
Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs)
Comprehensive breathing tests measuring lung capacity, airflow rates, and gas exchange efficiency. Includes spirometry (measuring forced expiratory volumes), lung volume measurements (body plethysmography), diffusing capacity (DLCO testing), and bronchodilator reversibility testing—essential for diagnosing and monitoring asthma, COPD, and restrictive lung diseases.
Chest Imaging Studies
High-resolution CT scans providing detailed visualization of lung parenchyma, airways, and blood vessels. Chest X-rays for initial screening and monitoring. CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) for detecting pulmonary embolism. These imaging modalities identify pneumonia, tumours, interstitial lung disease, emphysema, and structural abnormalities.
Sputum Analysis
Microscopic examination and culture of respiratory secretions identifying bacteria, fungi, acid-fast bacilli (tuberculosis), and malignant cells. Guides antibiotic selection for pneumonia, confirms TB diagnosis, and occasionally detects lung cancer through cytology.
Six-Minute Walk Test
Functional assessment measuring distance walked in six minutes whilst monitoring oxygen saturation and symptoms. Evaluates exercise capacity, disease severity in COPD and interstitial lung disease, and treatment response—simple yet valuable test correlating with quality of life and prognosis.
Sleep Studies (Polysomnography)
Overnight monitoring recording brain waves, oxygen levels, heart rate, breathing patterns, and body movements during sleep. Diagnoses sleep apnea, determines severity, and guides CPAP/BiPAP therapy titration—essential investigation for suspected sleep-disordered breathing.
Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) Analysis
Blood test measuring oxygen levels, carbon dioxide levels, and blood pH—assessing how effectively lungs transfer oxygen into blood and remove carbon dioxide. Critical for evaluating respiratory failure, determining oxygen therapy requirements, and monitoring critically ill patients.
Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO)
Non-invasive breath test measuring airway inflammation levels—elevated in eosinophilic asthma. Helps diagnose asthma, assess treatment adherence, predict steroid responsiveness, and guide biologic therapy decisions.
Procedures Performed by Our Pulmonologists in Chandigarh
At Healing Hospital, our pulmonology department offers a comprehensive range of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures to treat various respiratory conditions. Our highly skilled lung specialists use state-of-the-art technology and techniques to ensure the best outcomes for every patient. Here are some of the key procedures we perform:
Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs)
PFTs are comprehensive breathing tests that measure lung capacity, airflow, and gas exchange efficiency. These include spirometry (measuring air volume and flow), lung volume measurements, diffusion capacity testing, and bronchodilator reversibility testing. These tests help diagnose asthma, COPD, restrictive lung diseases, and assess disease severity and treatment response.
Bronchoscopy
Bronchoscopy is a diagnostic and therapeutic procedure using a flexible tube with a camera (bronchoscope) inserted through the nose or mouth to visualise airways. We perform diagnostic bronchoscopy for tissue sampling (biopsies), bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) for infection diagnosis, and therapeutic bronchoscopy for foreign body removal, excessive secretion clearance, and tumour debulking.
Endobronchial Ultrasound (EBUS)
EBUS is an advanced diagnostic technique combining bronchoscopy with ultrasound imaging to visualise structures outside the airways. This allows precise sampling of mediastinal lymph nodes for lung cancer staging, sarcoidosis diagnosis, and evaluation of masses adjacent to airways—providing a minimally invasive alternative to surgical mediastinoscopy.
Thoracentesis (Pleural Fluid Aspiration)
Thoracentesis involves inserting a needle through the chest wall to remove fluid accumulated around the lungs (pleural effusion). This procedure provides symptom relief from breathlessness, allows fluid analysis to determine cause (infection, cancer, heart failure), and is performed as an outpatient procedure with ultrasound guidance for safety.
Oxygen Therapy and Non-Invasive Ventilation
We provide long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT) assessment and prescription for patients with chronic respiratory failure, home oxygen setup and monitoring, and non-invasive ventilation (BiPAP) for patients with severe COPD, neuromuscular diseases, or obesity hypoventilation syndrome—improving survival and quality of life.
Allergy Testing
Skin prick testing and specific IgE blood tests identify allergens triggering asthma or allergic rhinitis. Results guide allergen avoidance strategies, medication choices, and consideration for allergen immunotherapy to reduce allergic sensitivity over time.
Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Comprehensive rehabilitation programmes for COPD, interstitial lung disease, and post-COVID patients include supervised exercise training, breathing techniques (pursed-lip breathing, diaphragmatic breathing), nutritional counselling, psychological support, and education—proven to improve exercise capacity, reduce breathlessness, and enhance quality of life.
Smoking Cessation Programmes
Our structured smoking cessation clinics provide counselling, behavioural modification strategies, nicotine replacement therapy, pharmacological support (varenicline, bupropion), and long-term follow-up support. Quitting smoking is the single most important intervention for preventing and slowing lung disease progression.
Each of these procedures is performed with the utmost care and precision, guided by the latest medical advancements in pulmonology. Our pulmonologists and respiratory specialists work together to ensure that the most appropriate procedure is chosen for each individual patient, offering expert care every step of the way. Whether it's a routine diagnostic test or a complex therapeutic procedure, our team is dedicated to achieving the best possible outcomes for our patients.
When to Consult a Pulmonologist?
Your lungs are vital to your overall health, and recognising when to consult a pulmonologist is crucial for maintaining healthy respiratory function. Many lung conditions can develop gradually, and by the time symptoms appear, they may indicate a serious underlying issue. If you experience any of the following symptoms, it's important to seek medical attention from a pulmonologist in Chandigarh as soon as possible:
Persistent Cough
A cough lasting more than 6-8 weeks, especially if productive (bringing up mucus or blood), can indicate chronic bronchitis, tuberculosis, lung cancer, or other serious conditions. A pulmonologist will assess your symptoms and conduct appropriate tests to identify the cause and provide effective treatment.
Shortness of Breath
Difficulty breathing during normal activities, breathlessness while lying flat, or worsening breathlessness over time can be signs of asthma, COPD, heart failure, or interstitial lung disease. Early consultation allows proper diagnosis and treatment to prevent progression and improve quality of life.
Wheezing or Chest Tightness
Whistling sounds during breathing, chest tightness, or feeling like you can't get enough air are common symptoms of asthma or COPD. These conditions require proper diagnosis through pulmonary function tests and personalised treatment plans including inhalers and medications.
Chronic Sputum Production
Producing phlegm or mucus daily for months can indicate chronic bronchitis, bronchiectasis, or other chronic lung conditions. A pulmonologist will investigate the underlying cause and provide treatment to reduce mucus production and prevent infections.
Recurrent Chest Infections
Frequent pneumonia, bronchitis, or chest infections (more than 2-3 per year) suggest underlying lung disease or immune problems. Specialist evaluation can identify predisposing factors and implement preventive strategies including vaccination and targeted treatments.
Snoring and Daytime Sleepiness
Loud snoring, witnessed breathing pauses during sleep, excessive daytime sleepiness, and morning headaches are symptoms of sleep apnea—a serious condition increasing risk of hypertension, heart attack, and stroke. Sleep study evaluation and CPAP therapy can be life-saving.
Occupational or Environmental Exposure
If you work in industries with dust, chemical, or asbestos exposure, or have prolonged exposure to air pollution or secondhand smoke, regular pulmonology screening can detect early lung damage before symptoms develop.
Why Choose Healing Hospital for Respiratory Care?
Advanced Diagnostic & Therapeutic Capabilities : Our pulmonology department features state-of-the-art equipment including high-resolution CT scanners for detailed lung imaging, comprehensive pulmonary function laboratory with body plethysmography, flexible bronchoscopy suite with EBUS (endobronchial ultrasound) capability for lung cancer staging, polysomnography laboratory for sleep disorder diagnosis, and complete microbiology facilities for TB and infection diagnosis. This advanced infrastructure enables accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of even the most complex respiratory conditions.
24/7 Respiratory Emergency Care : Healing Hospital provides round-the-clock respiratory emergency services with pulmonologists available 24/7/365 for acute asthma attacks, COPD exacerbations, pneumonia requiring hospitalisation, respiratory failure needing ventilator support, and haemoptysis (coughing blood). Our respiratory ICU with advanced ventilators and non-invasive ventilation capabilities ensures critically ill patients receive specialised pulmonary critical care when minutes matter.
Comprehensive Respiratory Care Team : Complex lung diseases require coordinated expertise. Our multidisciplinary respiratory team includes pulmonologists, respiratory therapists, physiotherapists for pulmonary rehabilitation, sleep medicine specialists, thoracic surgeons when surgical intervention needed, and oncologists for lung cancer care. From your first consultation through diagnosis, treatment, and lifelong management, multiple specialists work together seamlessly. You’re not just getting a pulmonologist—you are getting an entire team of experts dedicated to your respiratory health.
Booking an Appointment with a Pulmonologist at Healing Hospital
Booking an appointment with one of our top pulmonologists in Chandigarh is easy. Simply visit our website at www.healinghospital.co.in, call our Pulmonology help desk at +91-9134343436, or walk into our hospital to schedule your consultation. Our friendly staff is available to assist you in booking a time that fits your schedule, ensuring that you get the respiratory care you need promptly. Whether you need a routine check-up, smoking cessation support, or specialised treatment for a lung condition, the pulmonologists at Healing Hospital are here to help you every step of the way. Your lungs deserve expert care, and at Healing Hospital, we provide just that with empathy, expertise, and dedication.
Blog
Common Respiratory Conditions Treated by the Best Pulmonary Doctor in Chandigarh
Best Pulmonary Doctor in Chandigarh: Where to Find the Most Effective Care
Finding the Right Lung Cancer Doctor in Chandigarh: A Guide to Choosing Dr. Preeti Sharma at Healing Hospital
Best Pulmonologist in Chandigarh: Your Go-To Specialist for Lung Health
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is the best pulmonologist in Chandigarh?
Healing Hospital has some of the best pulmonologists in Chandigarh with DM Pulmonary Medicine training, 15+ years of experience in managing complex respiratory conditions, expertise in advanced procedures like bronchoscopy and EBUS, and proven track records in treating asthma, COPD, TB, interstitial lung disease, and lung cancer. Our pulmonologists combine clinical excellence with compassionate patient care, making Healing Hospital the preferred choice for respiratory care in the Chandigarh Tricity region.
Where can I find the best pulmonologist near me in Chandigarh?
Healing Hospital, conveniently located in Chandigarh, has a dedicated pulmonology department with expert chest specialists providing comprehensive respiratory care. Our central location makes us easily accessible from across Chandigarh, Mohali, and Panchkula. You can book an appointment by calling +91-9134343436 or visitingwww.healinghospital.co.in. We offer both scheduled consultations and emergency respiratory services 24/7.
Which hospital is best for lung treatment in Chandigarh?
Healing Hospital is recognized as one of Chandigarh’s leading centres for lung treatment, offering comprehensive pulmonology services including advanced diagnostics (PFTs, bronchoscopy, EBUS, sleep studies), treatment for all respiratory conditions (asthma, COPD, TB, pneumonia, lung cancer), respiratory ICU with ventilator support, pulmonary rehabilitation programmes, and smoking cessation clinics. Our state-of-the-art infrastructure, experienced pulmonologists, and multidisciplinary approach ensure optimal outcomes for patients with respiratory diseases.
When should I visit a pulmonologist for breathing problems?
You should visit a pulmonologist if you experience persistent breathlessness during normal activities, breathlessness that worsens over time, wheezing or chest tightness, chronic cough lasting more than 6-8 weeks, recurrent chest infections, or breathing problems accompanied by other symptoms like fever, weight loss, or blood in sputum. Don’t delay consultation—early diagnosis and treatment of respiratory conditions prevent progression and improve outcomes. Healing Hospital’s pulmonologists are available for immediate consultation for breathing emergencies..
Where can I get treatment for asthma or lung infections near me in Chandigarh?
Healing Hospital Chandigarh provides expert treatment for asthma and all types of lung infections (pneumonia, bronchitis, tuberculosis, fungal lung infections). Our pulmonology department offers comprehensive asthma management including controller and reliever medications, inhaler technique training, trigger identification, and emergency treatment for severe attacks. For lung infections, we provide accurate diagnosis, appropriate antibiotics or antifungal therapy, hospitalization for severe cases, and follow-up care ensuring complete recovery. Visit us or call +91-9134343436 for asthma or lung infection treatment.
What is the difference between a pulmonologist and a general physician?
While general physicians treat a wide range of medical conditions, pulmonologists are respiratory specialists with additional years of focused training (DM/DNB Pulmonary Medicine) specifically in lung diseases. Pulmonologists perform advanced procedures like bronchoscopy, interpret complex pulmonary function tests, manage ventilators, and treat rare lung conditions that general physicians may not encounter regularly. For chronic respiratory conditions like COPD, asthma, or interstitial lung disease, specialist pulmonology care provides superior outcomes.
How do I know if I need to see a pulmonologist?
You should consult a pulmonologist if you have persistent cough lasting more than 6-8 weeks, chronic breathlessness, wheezing, recurrent chest infections (more than 2-3 yearly), loud snoring with daytime sleepiness suggesting sleep apnea, occupational lung exposure, abnormal chest X-ray or CT scan, or diagnosed chronic lung disease requiring specialist management. Your general physician may also refer you for specialist evaluation.
Can COPD be cured or only managed?
COPD cannot be cured as lung damage is irreversible, but it can be effectively managed to slow progression, reduce symptoms, prevent exacerbations, and improve quality of life. Treatment includes smoking cessation (most important), bronchodilator inhalers, pulmonary rehabilitation, oxygen therapy when needed, vaccinations preventing infections, and treatment of exacerbations. Early diagnosis and comprehensive management prevent rapid decline—many COPD patients live active lives for decades with proper treatment at Healing Hospital.