10 Best Pulmonologist in Delhi | Doctor for Lungs Problem

Delhi is situated in the northern part of India. It is the national capital, sharing its borders with the states of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. At nearly 1500 sq km, it is the biggest city in the country in terms of area. It has a rapidly growing metropolitan population that includes people working in banking, IT, food processing, real estate, construction, tourism, media and healthcare.

According to statistics, the Delhi government has allocated Rs. 7704 crore to the healthcare sector in its latest budget. This makes healthcare and allied services one of the most important sectors in this city.

Due to its geographical location, infrastructure and flight connectivity, Delhi is one of the most popular cities for medical tourism for people from neighbouring regions as well as expats. People from across the globe visit Delhi for their healthcare needs to consult specialists in cardiology, nephrology, neurology, oncology and the best pulmonologist in Delhi.

Since there are many pulmonologists in Delhi, it is up to you to choose the best pulmonologist in Delhi. You can read further and learn how to choose one. But before that, get to know everything about pulmonology.

Who is a Pulmonologist?

A pulmonologist is a physician, specializing in studying, diagnosing and treating the lungs. They deal with everything to do with the respiratory system, right from the airway down to the lungs. They generally treat COPD, Asthma, Emphysema, Pneumonia and other lung-related disorders. Lung Specialist can also screen and diagnose lung cancer and treat them. They also have a role in treating sleep disorders like sleep apnoea, snoring and other breathing problems when they sleep.

They can perform procedures like bronchoscopy to look through the airway for disorders through a small directed camera. Pulmonologist do the pulmonary function testing to check how well the lungs are working in terms of lung capacity, volume and gas exchange. They treat critically ill patients in the intensive care units with heart and lung-related problems. This includes ventilator management and other advanced life support techniques. They work in coordination with intensivists, cardiologists and anesthetists in the critical care setup. 

When should I see a lung specialist?

There are certain symptoms that necessitate consultation from a Pulmonologist:

1.       Persistent cough for more than 4 weeks
2.       Breathlessness
3.       Difficulty in climbing stairs
4.       Sudden inability to breathe in the middle of the night
5.       Unexplained weight loss
6.       Foul smelled sputum while coughing
7.       Constant chest pain
8.       Blood while coughing
9.       Fatigue after moderate exhaustion

What type of Lung function tests are there?

Lung function tests basically test whether your lungs are functioning properly or not. They are performed whenever the doctors suspect any kind of underlying lung problem.

Spirometry : This is a common lung function test that is used to measure how quickly or slowly the air moves in and out of the lungs.

• The individual is made to sit on a chair and a soft clip will be put on the nose to ensure that the breathing happens through the mouth.
• A mouthpiece is attached to a machine called a spirometer.
• The individual’s lips are tightly placed around the mouthpiece and they are asked to breathe in and out as instructed by the provider.
• The spirometer will measure the amount and rate of airflow over a period of time.

Gas Diffusion test : This test is performed to determine whether the oxygen and other gases move in and out of the lungs.

• The individual will wear a mouthpiece connected to a machine.
• While inhaling (breathing in) a very small amount of carbon monoxide or other types of gas is given.
• Measurements will either be taken during breathing in or breathing out.
• The test can show how effective the lungs are in moving gases to your bloodstream.

Exercise stress test : This tests the ability of the individual to perform an exercise and how much it affects the lungs.

• The individual is asked to ride a stationary bike or walk on a treadmill.
• The individual will be attached to monitors and machines that will measure blood oxygen, blood pressure, and heartbeat.
• This helps show how well your lungs perform during exercise.

Volume test : This is a test of the amount of air a person can hold inside the lungs during inhalation. It also measures the amount of air that remains in the lungs after exhalation.

• The individual is made to sit in a clear, airtight room.
• As with a spirometry test, a nose clip is placed and lips are kept around a mouthpiece connected to a machine.
• Breathe in and breathe out is carried out as instructed.
• The pressure changes inside the room help measure lung volume.

What are Pulmonology tests ?

Pulmonology tests are often used to find the cause of breathing problems. These tests are used for diagnosing and monitoring lung diseases, including asthma, COPD, and emphysema. They are also used to check if lung disease treatments are working well or not. They are also done to verify the lung function before surgery and to decide whether the individual is fit or not. Sometimes, they are also used to check whether exposure to chemicals or other substances in the home or workplace has caused serious damage to the lungs.

How do you know if you have a lung problem ?

Certain symptoms indicate the presence of an underlying lung problem.

A cough that has persisted more than four to five weeks usually indicates that the problem is not just superficial, but may have involved deeper in the lungs. Another indication is the shortness of breath after mild or moderate exertion. Noisy breathing is another warning sign that certainly indicates something is wrong with the lungs. Chest pain may not always be related to heart problems but sometimes indicate lung problems also. Continuous phlegm or mucous produced while coughing for a long period of time points to some or the other lung-related issue. Blood while coughing is also a serious indication of damaged lungs and it should be treated as an emergency. 

So, we understand that there are emergencies in pulmonology too and for you to get the best treatment for your lung and respiratory issues, you have to zero in on the best pulmonologist in Delhi.

To make your search easier, in this article we have compiled a list of the best pulmonologist hospitals in Delhi followed by the list of best pulmonologist in Delhi.

Best Pulmonologist Hospitals in Delhi

1. Fortis Flt. Lt. Rajan Dhall Hospital (Vasant Kunj)
2. Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals (Mathura Road)
3. Sir Ganga Ram Hospital (Rajinder Nagar)
4. Max Saket West Super Speciality Hospital (Saket)
5. BLK Super Speciality Hospital (Pusa Road)
6. Max Smart Super Speciality Hospital (Saket)
7. Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute (Paschim Vihar)
8. Fortis Escorts (Okhla Road)
9. Manipal Hospitals (Dwarka)
10. Max Super Speciality Hospital (Patparganj)

All these hospitals have state of art facilities and expert doctors providing excellent care. As a result, these hospitals cater to patients from India and abroad.

Next, onto the list of best pulmonologist in Delhi, who can help you, whatever maybe your health concern.

10 Best Pulmonologist in Delhi

1.   Dr. Rajesh Chawla MBBS, MD (tuberculosis respiratory diseases) – 41 years experience

Dr. Rajesh Chawla is a chest specialist in Delhi. He is one of the most experienced doctors and the best Pulmonologist in Delhi. With his pleasant manners and clear explanation of the issue, he is one of the most respected doctors in the hospital. He is experienced in treating tuberculosis, pneumonia and lung cancer.

2.   Dr. MS Kanwar MBBS, MD (Pulmonology) – 39 years experience

Dr. Kanwar has more than 39 years of experience in the field of Pulmonology. He is very actively involved in the development works of the hospital. He is an expert at diagnosing and treating conditions, such as asthma, sleep apnea, various types of shocks and emergencies.

3. Dr. Kailash Nath Gupta MBBS, MD (Physician) DNB (Respiratory diseases) – 27 years experience

Dr. Gupta is a chest diseases physician, tuberculosis expert and asthma specialist. He also has vast experience in treating COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease). His area of interest is smoking de-addiction treatment and sleep-related issues.

4. Dr. Anuj Gupta, MBBS, DTCD (Diploma in Tuberculosis and Chest Diseases) – 23 years experience

Dr. Gupta, is a diagnostician of chest diseases and tuberculosis with more than 23 years of experience in this field. He has a roaring practice in not only his field of specialization but also as a general physician. His special interest lies in the field of allergy, immunology and diabetes. He is one of the most experienced and best pulmonologist in Delhi.

5. Dr. Inder Mohan Chugh MBBS, MD (tuberculosis and respiratory Diseases) DNB- Respiratory Diseases – 30 years experience

Dr. Chugh is an experienced pulmonologist practising at Max super speciality, Delhi. He has vast experience in treating chest diseases such as cough, infection and pneumonia. His area of interest lies in treating children with respiratory conditions.

6. Dr. Puneet Khanna MBBS, MD (Respiratory Medicine) – 21 years experience

Dr. Khanna is a renowned Pulmonologist with more than 21 years of experience. He is currently associated with Manipal Hospital, Delhi as a Specialist Pulmonologist. He specializes in procedures such as Bronchoscopy and Thoracoscopy. Dr Puneet is an expert at treating asthma, COPD and breathing disorders of sleep. He has vast experience abroad and also earned various certifications from Universities in Australia, America and Europe.

7. Dr. Sanjay Sobti, MBBS, MD (General Medicine), DNB (Respiratory Diseases) – 26 years experience.

Dr. Sobti is an experienced Pulmonologist with 26 years of experience in his field. Patients frequently visit him for treatment of asthma, sleep disorders, COPD, tuberculosis, Lung cancer, surgery of the lobes. He is one of the finest and best pulmonologist in Delhi.

8. Dr. Raj Kumar, MBBS, MD (Tuberculosis and Chest diseases) – 21 years experience.

Dr Raj Kumar has extensive experience as a physician as well as a specialist for diseases of the lungs and respiratory conditions such as respiratory tract infection, COPD, asthma, tracheostomy and many more. He also provides counselling and explanation of COVID-19 related symptoms.

9. Dr. Vikas Mittal MBBS, MD (Tuberculosis and respiratory diseases) – 21 years experience.

Dr. Mittal has vast experience in treating all types of lung diseases by interventional pulmonary approach. He is research-oriented and continues to upgrade himself academically. He mentors other doctors to create a strong team that provides the same quality of care irrespective of their location or schedule. The extra mile that he goes for his beloved patients ensures that every patient has a good experience. He is one among the  10 best pulmonologist in Delhi.

10. Dr. Vikas Maurya MBBS, MD(Respiratory Medicine) – 15 years experience

Dr Maurya has extensive experience in the field of pulmonology. He has various awards and accreditations to his credit including those from USA and UK. He is currently associated with Fortis Hospital in Delhi as a senior specialist. His expertise includes Tuberculosis, chest infections and sleep disorders.

Now that we have listed some of the experts in the field, we do hope that we have made it smooth, effortless and straightforward for you to choose the best pulmonologist in Delhi for your health concern.

What type of diseases does a Pulmonologist treat?

A pulmonologist can treat a wide variety of lung related disorders. They can also treat sleep disorders and can assist in treatment with other specialities like cardiology and anesthesia. They primarily treat problems like COPD (Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) in which inflammation of the lungs lead to poor airflow in and out of the lungs. The affected persons usually suffer from breathing difficulty, cough with phlegm and chest pain.

Tuberculosis, known as TB, is another area of interest for pulmonologists. It is an infectious disease of the lungs and it is highly contagious. Although tuberculosis can occur in many parts of the body, only a pulmonologist can accurately diagnose and treat it accordingly.

Lung cancer is an area of special interest for pulmonologists as it is quite difficult to diagnose and treat. They also provide palliative care for terminally ill lung cancer patients.

Asthma is another chronic disorder that requires the attention of a pulmonologist. The respiratory tract undergoes inflammation due to exposure to some allergen and many times the attack may be severe and will require the immediate attention of a specialist.

Pneumonia is a serious condition in which lungs are filled with fluid or pus and will require immediate attention from a pulmonologist. Emphysema also requires heed from a pulmonologist as it is also a serious condition of the lungs.

Apart from these lung disorders, pulmonologists can lend a helping hand in treating sleep disorders like sleep apnea and choking during sleep.

What does a pulmonologist check for?

Pulmonologists check for the current condition of the lungs whether they are functioning normally or not. They also find the source of the problem by asking for a detailed history of the patient related to the smoking habit, their working environment, the condition of the air in their city, exposure to any of the commonly known allergens and contact with any infected individuals.

Lung Doctors also study the signs and symptoms in detail with auscultation (examining with a stethoscope) to differentiate between the various lung disorders. They also check for signs of disease in other parts of the body which might be caused due to lung disorders. For example, the clubbing of nails is a common sign of lung problems. Peripheral cyanosis (feet turning bluish-green) may also be a sign of improperly working lungs.

How does a pulmonologist diagnose lung diseases?

Diagnosis is based on correlation of clinical symptoms, radiographic findings, lab reports of investigations like blood reports and lung function tests. The pulmonologist will be able to give a differential diagnosis based on the above-mentioned findings. A chest X-ray can show the abnormal changes in the lungs pertaining to the size of the lungs and the presence of fluids in the same.

A test using blood from an artery in your wrist can measure your oxygen level. Other types of blood tests can check for signs of infection or anemia. If your doctor suspects that you have a lung infection, secretions from your airway may be tested to determine the cause of the infection. The secretions are sent to the lab to find the presence of specific bacteria, viruses or fungi.

To give an accurate diagnosis, they also take the help of advanced diagnostic tests like CT scans and MRIs. They can provide a detailed picture of the heart and lungs in thin slices making it easy to diagnose.

Bronchoscopy is viewing the respiratory tract with the help of a small camera inserted into a thin tube. This is used to find nodules inside the lungs that may indicate lung cancer. Needle biopsy is also often done to diagnose lung cancer. A thin needle is used to aspirate fluids and cells from the inside of the lungs to find abnormal cells.

A PET scan is an advanced scan done to find lung cancer or even the spread of cancer from other parts of the body into the lungs.

Due to their vast knowledge and experience in the field, they are the best to diagnose and treat the conditions and diseases related to the lungs. In addition, recently clinical decision support systems are available for clinicians wherein artificial intelligence is used to evaluate patient data and the software can aid in arriving at a final diagnosis.

What are pulmonary emergencies?

A pulmonary emergency can be a result of several different conditions including asthma, heart failure, bronchitis, or even a cold. It could also be a direct result of an injury to the chest that punctures the lung or throat, leaving the air passageway blocked.

Other common causes include pulmonary edema, a condition where an excessive amount of fluids enter the lungs, pneumonia, adverse reactions to allergens or certain medications, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

From a patient point of view, it is a must to call for an emergency if any or all of the following symptoms are seen.

Airway obstruction : usually happens to blockage of airway due to severe edema of the respiratory tract or even due to choking on a foreign object.

The inability of the patient to breathe due to other conditions: any injury to the brain can affect the ability of the individual to breathe. Also, associated heart failure can cause the same leading to respiratory failure. Respiratory muscle weakness due to muscle diseases, injury, underlying cancer, metastasis into the lungs can lead to respiratory arrest.

Respiratory distress : Severe shortness of breath usually develops after a severe infection or injury to the lungs. Laboured and unusually rapid breathing are also accompanied. Confusion and loss of consciousness can follow if not attended.  Unless attended immediately, the chances for the individual to survive Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is absolutely less.

Respiratory failure : Another emergency condition, where the lungs is unable to supply oxygen to the body and as a result, the rest of the organs start to deteriorate and eventually fail. Your skin, lips, and fingernails may also have a bluish colour. A high carbon dioxide level can cause rapid breathing and confusion. It is also common to find patients very sleepy or even lose consciousness. They also may have an irregular heartbeat and associated chest pain.

Respiratory arrest : It is the complete cessation of breathing caused due to the inability of the lungs to contract and expand. It is an absolute medical emergency, where the affected individual may not survive more than 5 minutes of respiratory arrest. In this condition, the heart is still able to perform its function, but the lack of support from the lungs will cause the heart also to stop its function. The brain will also stop functioning if it is deprived of oxygen for more than 5 minutes.

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Dr. Vasantha Sugavanam

Dr. Vasantha is a dental surgeon with eight years of clinical experience. She is an experienced data coordinator. She is skilled in online content writing, headline writing, medical translation, and scientific writing. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her kids, gardening, and painting.

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