Department of Pulmonology

Pulmonology

The Department of Pulmonology at Unicorpus Health Foundation offers ethical, affordable, and specialist care for individuals with respiratory illnesses. Our focus lies in the early detection, accurate diagnosis, and evidence-based management of both acute and chronic pulmonary diseases. The department adopts a holistic, patient-centred approach, with access to state-of-the-art diagnostics, interventional pulmonology, and multi-speciality collaboration.

Conditions We Treat

With expertise in thoracic health, our team treats a full range of respiratory disorders, including:

  • Asthma
    An ongoing airway inflammation typically addressed with bronchodilators, corticosteroids, and supportive respiratory therapy.
  • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
    A progressive lung disease often caused by smoking, characterised by breathlessness, chronic cough, and frequent infections.
  • Pneumonia
    An acute infection of the lungs requiring timely antibiotic treatment and, in severe cases, hospitalisation.
  • Tuberculosis (TB)
    A bacterial infection affecting the lungs or other organs, managed with directly observed therapy and long-term follow-up.
  • Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD)
    A group of disorders causing lung scarring and stiffness, managed with immunosuppressive therapy and supportive care.
  • Pulmonary Fibrosis
    A chronic condition involving permanent lung scarring, managed through regular follow-up and supportive treatments such as oxygen therapy.
  • Bronchiectasis
    Damage to the airways leading to recurrent infections and sputum production, requiring airway clearance therapy.
  • Sleep Apnoea
    A sleep disorder where breathing stops intermittently, managed with CPAP devices and lifestyle interventions.
  • Pleural Effusion
    Fluid accumulation around the lungs is managed through thoracentesis, followed by treatment of the underlying condition.
  • Lung Cancer
    Evaluated and managed in collaboration with oncology, often involving biopsy, imaging, and systemic therapy.
  • Occupational Lung Diseases
    Conditions caused by exposure to dust, chemicals, or fumes in the workplace, requiring early recognition and intervention.
  • Pulmonary Hypertension
    High pressure in the lung arteries, requiring medication and multidisciplinary care.

Surgeries & Interventional Procedures

  • Thoracoscopic Pleural Biopsy
    A minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose pleural diseases, including malignancies and tuberculosis, via video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS).
  • Medical Thoracoscopy
    Performed under local anaesthesia and conscious sedation to diagnose and treat pleural effusions or adhesions.
  • Pleurodesis
    A bedside or surgical procedure in which a chemical agent is introduced into the pleural space to prevent fluid recurrence, commonly used in malignancy-related effusions.
  • Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) (with Thoracic Surgery)
    A keyhole surgery approach used to treat lung nodules, biopsy masses, and manage recurrent pneumothorax or empyema.
  • Bullectomy
    Performed to excise enlarged air sacs in the lungs that compromise ventilation, particularly in severe cases of COPD.
  • Chest Tube Insertion (Intercostal Drainage)
    A minor surgical procedure to drain air, fluid, or pus from the pleural space, relieving breathlessness and preventing lung collapse.

Technology & Facilities

  • Pulmonary Function Laboratory
    Equipped with spirometry and lung volume testing to evaluate lung capacity.
  • Bronchoscopy Suite
    Designed for safe, sterile, and minimally invasive airway evaluation
  • High-Resolution Imaging
    Access to X-ray and HRCT scanning for early and accurate diagnosis of lung diseases.
  • Sleep Lab
    Analyses overnight respiratory activity, oxygen fluctuations, and sleep disturbances associated with sleep apnoea.
  • Nebulisation Units
    Available for acute management of asthma, COPD, and other obstructive diseases.

Services & Treatments Offered

Our care plans are tailored to the individual, with a combination of medication, lifestyle support, and procedures when required:

Pulmonary function testing (PFT)

Nebulisation therapy

Bronchodilator and corticosteroid management

Allergy and immunotherapy (as indicated)

Long-term oxygen therapy planning

Smoking cessation support

Vaccination for influenza and pneumococcal infections

Chest physiotherapy and rehabilitation

Our Doctors

We provide early diagnosis and management of congenital and acquired heart conditions in infants, children, and adolescents. Services include outpatient consultations, non-invasive cardiac imaging, and coordinated referrals for interventional or surgical care when required.

DR. RATNA BABU KOLLABATTULA

MBBS, DRO,FIIP,FICCM, Interventional Pulmonologist and Intensivist, Fellowship in Interventional Pulmonology, Fellowship in Critical Care Medicine

Procedures & Interventional Pulmonology

Fibre-optic Bronchoscopy

Thoracentesis
Pleurodesis

Endobronchial Biopsy

Bronchoalveolar Lavage (BAL)

Polysomnography (Sleep Study)

Why Choose Unicorpus for Pulmonology?

  • ZExpert pulmonologists providing ethical, patient-first care
  • ZState-of-the-art respiratory diagnostics and minimally invasive interventions
  • ZAccessible pricing with a focus on underserved populations
  • ZCollaborative care across specialities for complex conditions
  • ZHolistic, long-term disease management tailored to individual needs

FAQ's

1. Can I book an appointment with a pulmonologist without a referral?
No. You may book a consultation directly through our appointments desk.
2. Is asthma a lifelong condition?
Asthma often persists over time but remains manageable with ongoing medical care and review.
3.Do you offer TB testing and treatment?
Yes. We offer complete evaluation, diagnosis, and management for both pulmonary and extrapulmonary TB.
4. What is a bronchoscopy?
It’s a minimally invasive procedure used to view the airways and collect diagnostic samples.
5.Can you help me quit smoking?
Absolutely. We offer structured smoking cessation support that includes counselling and medication if needed.