Tuberculosis: Recognising It Early and Completing Treatment
TB is curable and treated free of cost in India. The two things that turn a curable illness into a dangerous one are late diagnosis and stopping treatment early.
Read articleAbout the Pulmonology department
Pulmonology treats diseases of the airways and lungs. Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are the two largest groups, and in rural Andhra Pradesh both are frequently under-treated — patients use a reliever inhaler during attacks but never start the preventer therapy that would stop the attacks happening.
Tuberculosis remains an important diagnosis in this district. Any cough lasting more than two weeks, especially with fever, night sweats, weight loss or blood in the sputum, needs evaluation. Diagnosis and treatment follow national programme guidelines.
The department also assesses occupational lung disease from stone-cutting and construction dust, allergic airway disease, interstitial lung disease and obstructive sleep apnoea in patients who snore heavily and feel exhausted despite a full night's sleep.
Conditions we treat
The presentations seen most often in this department. If your symptom is not listed, book a consultation anyway — the clinic will redirect you if another speciality fits better.
- Asthma
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Pneumonia and lung infections
- Pulmonary tuberculosis
- Chronic cough
- Obstructive sleep apnoea
- Interstitial lung disease
- Pleural effusion
- Occupational and dust-related lung disease
- Smoking-related lung damage
Procedures and services
- Pulmonary function testing (spirometry)
- Inhaler technique training and device selection
- Pleural tapping and intercostal drainage
- Sputum evaluation for tuberculosis
- Nebulisation and acute exacerbation management
- Non-invasive ventilation for respiratory failure
- Sleep study referral for suspected apnoea
- Smoking cessation counselling
Technology and support
Equipment matters only when it is available at the moment of need. These services sit on the same campus, with laboratory and imaging cover round the clock.
- Spirometry and lung function assessment
- Digital chest X-ray and CT thorax
- Non-invasive and invasive ventilation
- Oxygen therapy and high-flow systems
When to seek urgent care
Do not wait for an outpatient appointment if any of the following applies. Call 9281862028 or come straight to the emergency department, which is open 24 hours and does not require an appointment.
- Cough lasting more than two weeks, especially with weight loss
- Coughing up blood
- Breathlessness at rest or while speaking
- Blue lips or fingertips
- Chest pain worsening with deep breathing
Frequently asked questions
Are asthma inhalers habit-forming?
No. This is the most damaging myth in asthma care. Inhalers deliver a very small dose directly to the airway, which is why they have fewer side effects than tablets. Preventer inhalers used daily reduce attacks, hospital visits and long-term lung damage.
I stopped smoking years ago. Do I still need a lung check?
If you smoked for many years, a baseline chest X-ray and spirometry are worthwhile, particularly if you have any cough or breathlessness. Risk falls after quitting but does not return immediately to that of a never-smoker.
