Your lungs are the lifeline of your body. With every breath, they bring in oxygen and remove carbon dioxide, fueling all your vital organs. But when something goes wrong in the respiratory system, whether it’s asthma, chronic cough, pneumonia, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the consequences can affect every part of your life.
At Lagos Executive Cardiovascular Centre (LECC), we understand the critical role of pulmonary health in your overall well-being. In this in-depth blog post, we break down everything you need to know about pulmonology, from common respiratory conditions to diagnosis, treatment, and preventive care.
What Is Pulmonology?
Pulmonology is a medical specialty focused on the respiratory system, that is the lungs, bronchi, trachea, diaphragm, and related structures. A pulmonologist is a doctor who diagnoses and treats diseases affecting breathing and lung function.
At LECC, our pulmonologists work closely with cardiologists, internists, and other specialists to provide comprehensive respiratory care.
Common Conditions Treated in Pulmonology:
- Asthma: A chronic condition where the airways narrow and swell, making breathing difficult. Triggers include allergens, pollution, cold air, or exercise. Symptoms include wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, coughing (especially at night or early morning)
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): COPD includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema. It’s most commonly caused by smoking or long-term exposure to lung irritants. Symptoms include chronic cough with mucus, wheezing, frequent respiratory infections, difficulty breathing during physical activity
- Pneumonia: An infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs, potentially causing fluid build-up. Symptoms include fever and chills, productive cough, shortness of breath and fatigue
- Bronchitis: Inflammation of the bronchial tubes. Acute bronchitis is often caused by a viral infection, while chronic bronchitis is a long-term condition.
- Pulmonary Hypertension: High blood pressure in the lungs’ arteries. Over time, this condition can lead to heart failure if untreated.
- Sleep Apnea: A condition in which breathing repeatedly stops during sleep. Often linked to snoring and excessive daytime fatigue.
- Lung Cancer: One of the leading causes of cancer death worldwide, often associated with smoking but also occurs in non-smokers.
- Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD): A group of disorders that cause lung tissue to become inflamed and scarred. ILD leads to stiffness in the lungs, reducing oxygen delivery to the bloodstream.
Diagnostic Tools in Pulmonology
At LECC, we use a combination of history-taking, physical exams, and advanced testing to evaluate lung health: Chest X-ray or CT Scan, Spirometry (lung function test), Pulse oximetry (oxygen level measurement), Bronchoscopy, Arterial blood gases (ABG), Sleep studies for sleep apnea and Sputum culture and allergy testing.
When Should You See a Pulmonologist?
You should consult a pulmonologist if you experience:
- Chronic or unexplained cough
- Difficulty breathing during normal activities
- Chest tightness or pain when breathing
- Frequent lung infections
- Noisy breathing or wheezing
- Long-standing sleep issues or loud snoring
- Coughing up blood To address this, speakers advocated for:
Early detection of respiratory diseases can prevent complications and improve quality of life.
Pulmonary Health in Nigeria
The Need for Awareness In Nigeria, respiratory diseases are underdiagnosed. Many people live with asthma, bronchitis, or even COPD without proper diagnosis or treatment. Factors like urban pollution, smoking, and exposure to indoor air pollutants (e.g., cooking smoke) contribute to rising lung health concerns. At LECC, we are committed to:
- Raising awareness about early warning signs
- Promoting screening and lung health checkups
- Providing affordable, high-quality pulmonary care
Prevention Is Key: How to Protect Your Lung Health
- Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke
- Get vaccinated against flu and pneumonia
- Exercise regularly to strengthen lungs and heart
- Wear a mask in dusty or polluted environments
- Manage allergies and asthma triggers
- See a doctor early for recurring respiratory symptoms
Why Choose LECC for Pulmonary Care?
At Lagos Executive Cardiovascular Centre, we combine:
- Board-certified pulmonologists
- Modern diagnostic technology
- Coordinated cardiovascular
- Pulmonary care
- Compassionate patient-centered support
Whether you have asthma, COPD, or simply want a thorough lung check, LECC is your trusted partner in respiratory health.
📞 Book a Lung Health Consultation Today
Call: +234 817 365 1737
Email: contact@thelecc.com
Website: www.thelecc.com
Your lungs matter. Let’s take care of them, together.