Best Pulmonologist in Kolkata

Who is a Pulmonologist

A pulmonologist is a physician who has expertise in treating lung conditions. They diagnose and treat ailments of the respiratory system, including your airways, air sacs in your lungs (known as alveoli), and blood vessels.

They can subspecialize in critical care, asthma or sleep medicine, pediatric pulmonology, and geriatric pulmonology.

What Is Another Name for a Pulmonologist?

They are also known as

• Pulmonologists lung doctors
• Lung specialists
• Chest doctors
• Respirologist
• Respiratory physician

What are the Responsibilities of a Pulmonologist in Kolkata

The Best pulmonologists lung doctors in Kolkata have the following responsibilities:

A. Core Medical Duties

• Review the patient histories and physical exams in a detailed manner to examine symptoms such as chest pain or tightness, shortness of breath or chronic cough.​
• Order and interpret tests such as pulmonary function tests, chest X-rays, CT scans, bronchoscopies, spirometry, and sleep studies.​
• Diagnose conditions such as asthma, COPD, pneumonia, tuberculosis, pulmonary fibrosis, lung cancer, etc.

B. Decide on the Right Treatment & Management

• Curate personalized treatment plans after proper diagnosis, such as medications, inhalers, oxygen therapy, vaccinations, or pulmonary rehabilitation.​
• Perform minimally invasive procedures such as thoracentesis or bronchoscopy to diagnose and treat various lung and airway conditions. But they do not perform any surgeries.
• Provide critical care in ICUs and oversee ventilation for respiratory failure or ARDS (acute respiratory distress syndrome).

C. Other Duties

• Maintain patient records.
• Offer long-term support for chronic conditions.
• Refer to the cardiothoracic surgeon and other related specialists when needed.
• Educate patients on lifestyle modification.
• Proactively involved in research and teaching.

What Are the Primary Conditions Treated by a Pulmonologist in Kolkata?

Best pulmonologist in Kolkata, like those in IRIS Multispeciality Hospital, treats many respiratory conditions and illnesses; some of them are:

• Common chronic conditions such as COPD and emphysema, asthma, Interstitial lung disease (ILD), and pulmonary fibrosis
• Asbestosis
• Aspergillosis
• Lung cancer
• Pulmonary hypertension
• Sarcoidosis
• Silicosis
• Sleep apnea
• Infections and acute Issues like pneumonia, bronchitis, tuberculosis (TB), pulmonary embolism, etc.

Can a Pulmonologist Treat a Cough?

Yes, you should go to a pulmonologist for a cough. They can help with persistent or chronic coughs that may indicate underlying respiratory issues such as infections, asthma, or COPD. They can prescribe the targeted therapies by evaluating symptoms through history, exams, and blood tests.

What Tests Do Pulmonologists Do?

According to the symptoms or any history, they can order the following tests:

1. Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs)

• Spirometry (diagnose conditions such as asthma and COPD)
• Lung Volume Test (measures the total volume of air your lungs can hold)
• Lung Diffusion Capacity Test (measures the ability of the lungs to transfer gas)
• Body Plethysmography (a detailed lung volume test done in an airtight box to measure lung volumes and airway resistance according to the change in pressure)
• Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test (evaluate how well lungs, heart, and muscles function during exercise)

2. Imaging Tests

• Chest X-ray
• Chest CT scan
• Chest MRI

3. Other Procedures and Tests

• Bronchoscopy (can be used for biopsies)
• Blood gas tests
• Sleep study (Polysomnography)
• Ventilation/Perfusion (V/Q) scan (check air and blood flow in the lungs by using a radioactive tracer)

What's the Difference Between a Pulmonologist and an ENT?

No, a pulmonologist and an ENT are not the same.

• A pulmonologist focuses on the lower respiratory tract, such as the lungs and bronchial tubes, for conditions like asthma and COPD.
• An ENT (otolaryngologist) focuses on the upper respiratory tract, such as the ears, nose, and throat, and related head and neck structures.

How Do I Know if I Need to See a Pulmonologist? | The Signs

If you experience the following symptoms, they may signal that it's time to consult a pulmonologist:

• Persistent shortness of breath
• Breathing difficulty
• A cough that lasts longer than 3 weeks, especially  if there is any blood or mucus
• Recurrent wheezing or chest tightness
• Repeated episodes of respiratory infections, such as pneumonia or bronchitis
• Fatigue or weakness due to breathing problems
• Sleep disturbances associated with breathing
• Chest pain or discomfort while breathing or coughing
• Coughing up blood. This demands an urgent symptom requiring specialist evaluation

Pulmonologist Near Me | IRIS Hospital

If you are searching on the internet for “how to find the best pulmonologist lung doctors in Kolkata near me,” then you can schedule a call at IRIS at this number: +91 8929579509. Our Department of Pulmonology, backed by experts like Dr. Ritabrata Mitra, is known for delivering the best respiratory health outcomes.

Our Address: 82/1, Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Kolkata 700047 Open: 24x7

Our areas of expertise include:

• Asthma and Allergy
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
• Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD)
• Sleep Medicine
• Interventional Pulmonology

FAQs

Q1: Why do I wake up gasping or choking at night?
A: Waking up gasping or choking is often associated with obstructive sleep apnea, where the airway collapses during sleep, or with severe asthma, heart failure, or lung fluid. The best pulmonologists in Kolkata, like those at IRIS Multispeciality Hospital, can arrange a sleep study and other tests to diagnose the problem and recommend CPAP, lifestyle changes, or medicines.

Q2: Can long‑term smoking damage my lungs even if I feel fine?
A: Yes. Long-term smokers often experience shortness of breath even with mild activity, including walking or climbing stairs. Smoking can quietly damage your lungs for years, leading to COPD, emphysema, or lung cancer before symptoms appear. Timely consultation with a pulmonologist, even if you feel okay, to assess your lung health with spirometry and imaging. It is strongly advised to quit with support and medicines.

Q3: Why do I get chest infections again and again?
A: Recurrent chest infections can be due to weak lungs (like in COPD or bronchiectasis), low immunity, smoking, allergies, an inability to properly clear mucus, or structural problems in the airways. A pulmonologist can pinpoint the underlying cause and suggest vaccines, inhalers, antibiotics when needed, and lifestyle modifications to lower infections.

Q4: Is a chronic cough something serious, or can I ignore it?
A: A chronic cough—lasting more than 3–8 weeks—is not something that should be ignored. Consult your lung doctor in a timely manner for the proper diagnosis, as it can be a sign of asthma, post‑nasal drip, acid reflux, chronic bronchitis, tuberculosis, or even lung cancer.

Q5: Which organ does a pulmonologist treat, & what are the consultation fees in Kolkata?
A: A pulmonologist at IRIS Multispeciality Hospital in Kolkata treats conditions of the respiratory system, specifically the lungs, bronchial tubes, trachea, larynx, pharynx, and chest wall. The dress may vary from ₹500 to over ₹1,200 based on the type of hospital and experience of the specialist.