Respiratory Medicine

About Respiratory Medicine

The Department of Respiratory Medicine at GITAM Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (GIMSR) is dedicated to the diagnosis, treatment, and management of a wide range of pulmonary and respiratory disorders. Equipped with modern diagnostic tools and a team of experienced pulmonologists, the department provides comprehensive care for conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), tuberculosis, interstitial lung diseases, and sleep-related breathing disorders etc. It has five pulmonologists, six pulmonology post graduate trainees, and nursing staff. The department also emphasizes academic excellence and research, contributing to advancements in respiratory care while training the next generation of healthcare professionals.

Departments

Outpatient department which includes consultation rooms, Bronchoscopy procedure room, PFT (Pulmonary function tests)room, Sleep lab.
Two inpatient wards for male and female patients , with 15 beds each and also includes separate procedure rooms.
A dedicated seminar hall , faculty rooms, a department library.

Service offered in the Department

The Department of Respiratory Medicine at GIMSR offers a wide range of diagnostic and therapeutic services to ensure comprehensive care for patients with respiratory conditions. Some of the key procedures and facilities include:

Bronchoscopy Procedure

Bronchoscopy is a minimally invasive diagnostic and therapeutic procedure used to visualize the inside of the airways and lungs. Using a flexible bronchoscope, doctors can inspect the tracheobronchial tree, collect samples (biopsies, washings), remove foreign bodies, or manage bleeding. It is particularly useful in diagnosing lung infections, tumors, unexplained cough, and hemoptysis.

Sleep Lab

The department houses a dedicated sleep laboratory LEVEL I Sleep study to diagnose and manage sleep-related breathing disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Overnight polysomnography (sleep study) is performed to monitor parameters like airflow, oxygen saturation, heart rate, and respiratory effort, EEG, ECG, EOG,EMG enabling accurate diagnosis and formulation of appropriate treatment plans including CPAP therapy.

Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs)

Pulmonary Function Testing is a critical diagnostic tool used to assess lung volumes, capacities, and flow rates. These tests help in evaluating diseases like asthma, COPD, and interstitial lung disease. Spirometry, lung volume measurement, and diffusion capacity tests are routinely performed in the department.

Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO)

FeNO testing is a non-invasive method used to measure airway inflammation, particularly in asthmatic patients. It helps in diagnosing eosinophilic airway inflammation and in monitoring the response to anti-inflammatory treatment such as inhaled corticosteroids, thereby guiding personalized therapy.

Comprehensive Services

The Department of Respiratory Medicine at GIMSR provides a wide array of services including:

Outpatient and inpatient care for chronic and acute respiratory conditions
Management of tuberculosis and drug-resistant TB in coordination with the National TB Elimination Program (NTEP)
Allergy testing and immunotherapy
Smoking cessation counseling
Critical care support in ICU for patients with respiratory failure
Health education and awareness programs.

Academics in the Department

The Department of Respiratory Medicine at GITAM Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (GIMSR) is committed to academic excellence and the holistic training of both undergraduate and postgraduate medical students. The department combines rigorous academic instruction with extensive clinical exposure, ensuring that students are well-prepared for both clinical practice and academic pursuits.

Postgraduate Program

The department offers an MD program in Respiratory Medicine with an annual intake of two postgraduate students. The program is structured to provide in-depth theoretical knowledge along with extensive hands-on clinical training. Postgraduates are actively involved in patient care, research, and teaching activities.

They gain practical experience in essential respiratory procedures such as:

Flexible bronchoscopy
Thoracocentesis
Intercostal tube drainage
Pulmonary function testing
Sleep study interpretation

The training emphasizes clinical decision-making, diagnostic skills, and therapeutic procedures under the close supervision of experienced faculty. Regular seminars, journal clubs, case discussions, and research presentations are integral parts of the program.

Undergraduate Training

Undergraduate medical education in the department includes a well-structured curriculum designed to introduce students to the basics of respiratory medicine. Key components include:

2-week clinical postings in the department during their clinical rotations, where students are exposed to patient examination, bedside case discussions, and OPD activities.
30 didactic lectures covering core topics in respiratory medicine such as asthma, COPD, tuberculosis, pneumonia, lung cancer, and sleep disorders.
Elective postings, providing interested students an opportunity for deeper clinical exposure, involvement in minor procedures, and participation in departmental academic activities.