195 Best Pulmonologists In Karachi

At Marham, we simplify your search for the best pulmonologist in Karachi. Our highly experienced chest specialists are conveniently located throughout the city, offering flexible appointment timings to suit your schedule. Don't just take our word for it – read patient reviews, location and wait time to gain confidence in our exceptional care.

Who is a Pulmonologist?

A pulmonologist is a medical doctor specializing in diagnosing and treating respiratory diseases and conditions affecting the lungs and respiratory system.  They train to manage various respiratory disorders, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer, pneumonia, pulmonary fibrosis, and sleep apnea.

What are the other names of a Pulmonologist?

Pulmonologists are also known as:

• Respiratory physicians

• Chest specialists

• Lung specialist

What are the common respiratory diseases?

According to the Global Burden of Diseases Study, chronic respiratory diseases significantly cause morbidity and mortality in Pakistan. In 2019, a survey estimated that chronic respiratory diseases accounted for 14.7% of the total deaths in Pakistan.

Some of the most common respiratory diseases treated by the best pulmonologists in Karachi include:

• Asthma: Asthma affects approximately 5% to 10% of the population in Pakistan and is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among children.

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): COPD is a common respiratory condition in Pakistan, particularly among smokers and individuals exposed to air pollution.

• Pneumonia: Pneumonia is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in children under five in Pakistan, particularly those living in rural areas.

• Tuberculosis: Pakistan is among the top 10 countries with the highest tuberculosis (TB) burden globally, and TB is a major cause of morbidity and mortality.

Given the high prevalence of respiratory diseases in Pakistan, individuals with respiratory symptoms or conditions need to consult a chest respiratory specialist for accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and management. A pulmonologist can help assess and manage symptoms and monitor the progression of chronic respiratory conditions. They can also guide managing environmental and lifestyle factors impacting respiratory health, such as avoiding exposure to air pollution and quitting smoking.

What are the diagnostic methods commonly used by pulmonologists?

There are several diagnostic methods that a pulmonologist may use to evaluate a patient's lung function and diagnose respiratory problems.

• Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs): These tests evaluate lung function and measure how much air a person can inhale and exhale. They may include spirometry, lung volume measurements, and diffusion capacity measurements.

• Imaging Tests: Chest X-rays, CT scans, and MRI scans to diagnose lung conditions and evaluate the severity of respiratory problems.

• Bronchoscopy: It involves inserting a thin, flexible tube into the airways to examine the lungs and collect tissue samples for analysis.

• Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) Tests: These tests measure the blood's oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, which can help evaluate how well the lungs work.

• Allergy Tests: Pulmonologists may use skin or blood tests to identify specific allergies contributing to respiratory symptoms.

• Exercise Testing: This involves evaluating lung function and oxygen levels during physical activity, which can help diagnose exercise-induced asthma or other respiratory conditions.

• Sleep Studies: These tests evaluate breathing patterns and oxygen levels during sleep, which can help diagnose sleep apnea and other sleep-related respiratory problems.

Pulmonologists may also use other diagnostic methods depending on the specific respiratory problems and symptoms.

How does a pulmonologist treat diseases?

The pulmonologist's specific treatment methods will depend on the underlying condition and its severity. Here are some common treatments used by pulmonologists:

• Medications: Pulmonologists may prescribe medications to help manage respiratory conditions. They also prescribe inhalers containing bronchodilators or corticosteroids to asthma patients. 

• Oxygen therapy: A pulmonologist may prescribe oxygen therapy if a patient has low blood oxygen levels. The therapy involves breathing in oxygen from a tank or concentrator to help improve oxygen levels in the blood.

• Pulmonary rehabilitation: Patients with lung diseases like COPD may benefit from pulmonary rehabilitation, which involves exercise, breathing techniques, and education on managing symptoms.

• Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to treat lung conditions. For example, lung cancer patients may need surgery to remove a tumor.

• Mechanical ventilation: In severe cases of respiratory failure, patients may need to be placed on a mechanical ventilator to help them breathe.

A pulmonolgist aims to help patients manage their respiratory conditions and improve their quality of life. Treatment plans are designed for each patient and may include a combination of medications, therapy, and lifestyle changes.

When should you consult with a pulmonologist?

You should consider consulting the lung specialist if you experience any of the following symptoms or conditions:

• Chronic cough: A cough that lasts longer than eight weeks can be a sign of an underlying respiratory tract infection or conditions, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

• Breathing issues: If you experience shortness of breath, particularly when performing normal daily activities, it can indicate a lung condition.

• Wheezing: Wheezing is a high-pitched whistling sound that occurs when you breathe. It is often a symptom of asthma or other respiratory conditions.

• Chest pain: It can be a sign of a lung condition such as pleurisy, pneumonia, or lung cancer.

• Asthma: If you have been diagnosed with asthma, a pulmonologist can help you manage your symptoms and adjust your treatment plan.

• COPD: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic lung condition that makes breathing difficult. A pulmonologist can help you manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

• Sleep apnea: If you snore loudly or have interrupted breathing during sleep, you may have sleep apnea, a condition in which the airway becomes blocked during sleep. A pulmonologist can help diagnose and treat this condition.

• Lung cancer: If you have been diagnosed with lung cancer or are at high risk of developing the disease, a pulmonologist can help you develop a treatment plan.

In general, if you are experiencing any persistent or concerning symptoms related to your upper or lower respiratory tract, such as bronchitis, sinusitis, or any other related condition, it is a good idea to consult the best respiratory physician at Marham for further evaluation and treatment.

What are the subspecialties of pulmonology?

The pulmonologist also provides expertise within the subspecialties of pulmonology. These include;

• Interventional pulmonology

• Sleep disorders like sleep apnea

• Occupational lung diseases

• Pulmonary hypertension

• Cystic fibrosis

• Critical care medicine

How to choose the best pulmonologist?

Choosing the right doctor is an important decision that can impact your health and well-being. Here are some tips to help you find the best pulmonologist in Karachi:

• Ask for referrals: Ask your primary care doctor or other healthcare providers for recommendations. You can also ask friends or family members for referrals.

• Check credentials: Make sure the pulmonologist is board-certified in pulmonary medicine and has the appropriate training and experience to treat your condition.

• Research their experience: Look into the pulmonologist's experience in treating patients with similar conditions to yours. This research can help you assess their level of expertise and the success of their treatments.

• Read reviews: Look for reviews of the pulmonologist online to see what other patients have said about their experiences. The patient reviews can give you insight into their bedside manner, communication skills, and overall quality of care.

• Consider location and availability: Choose a conveniently located pulmonologist with suitable availability hours that fit your schedule. This filter can make it easier to attend appointments and follow-up care.

• Evaluate communication style: Choose a pulmonologist who listens to your concerns, answers your questions, and explains your diagnosis and treatment plan in a way you can understand.

Considering these factors, you can find a top lung specialist in Karachi who meets your needs and can help you manage your respiratory condition effectively.

How to become a pulmonologist in Pakistan?

To become a pulmonologist, one must complete the following steps:

• Obtain a Bachelor's degree: The first step towards becoming a pulmonologist is to obtain an MBBS degree.

• Complete the house job: Following the Bachelor's degree in medicine, the doctor completes a mandatory house job.

• Complete a residency program: After completing medical school, aspiring pulmonologists must complete a three-year residency program in internal medicine. Residents will gain experience diagnosing and treating patients with various medical conditions during this time.

• Complete a pulmonary fellowship: After completing their residency, pulmonologists must complete a fellowship in pulmonary medicine, which usually lasts two to three years. During this time, fellows will receive specialized training in diagnosing and treating lung diseases.

• Obtain a medical license: After completing their training, pulmonologists must obtain a medical license in the state where they wish to practice.

How much does a pulmonologist cost?

The cost of seeing a pulmonologist in Karachi can vary depending on several factors, including your location, the complexity of your condition, and the specific services or tests required.

How to book a consultation with the best pulmonologist in Karachi?

Our list of top-certified pulmonologists in Karachi offers you the highest standards of medical care - with just the click of a button. Book an online consultation today and receive discounted rates for your appointment. Trust Marham for the best pulmonolgist in Karachi working in the pulmonology clinic nationwide and the best price.