Pulmonology

Pulmonology — diagnosis and treatment of respiratory system diseases at the ZDRAVO (Mykolaiv)

A healthy respiratory system is the foundation of a full life. We rarely think about the importance of our lungs until we experience coughing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, or rapid fatigue. Disorders of the lungs, bronchi, trachea, and pleura not only impair quality of life but can also lead to serious complications. In such cases, a pulmonologist is needed — a specialist who can not only relieve symptoms but also conduct a thorough examination, make an accurate diagnosis, and select an effective treatment. At the pulmonology department of the medical center ZDRAVO in Mykolaiv, you will receive comprehensive, professional assistance from a top-level doctor with over 40 years of experience.

Who is a pulmonologist and what do they do?

A pulmonologist is a specialist doctor who focuses on diseases of the respiratory system. They work with patients who have been diagnosed with or are suspected of having pathologies of the lungs, bronchi, pleura, or trachea. Unlike a general practitioner, a pulmonologist has more in-depth knowledge in the field of respiratory medicine and uses specialised methods of diagnosis and treatment.

During a consultation with a pulmonologist, not only are the lungs examined and auscultated, but a comprehensive study of the patient’s complaints, medical history, and lifestyle is also conducted. Particular attention is paid to risk factors: smoking, harmful working conditions, past infections, and chronic diseases. The doctor determines not only the disease, but also its stage, the degree of respiratory dysfunction, and the treatment strategy.

Diseases treated by pulmonologists

Patients with a wide range of pathologies, from mild inflammation to severe chronic or systemic diseases, consult pulmonologists at ZDRAVO. The most common clinical cases include:

• Bronchial asthma, manifested by attacks of suffocation, wheezing, and an allergic component. This disease requires regular monitoring and fine-tuning of inhalation therapy.
• COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) — a serious condition in which the patency of the airways is gradually impaired. Without treatment, patients lose their ability to be physically active and require oxygen support.
• Pneumonia, especially relevant after viral infections, including COVID-19. Timely detection of pneumonia can prevent hospitalisation and complications.
• Acute and chronic bronchitis, common in smokers and people working in polluted environments.
• Pleurisy, accompanied by sharp pains when breathing in and requiring urgent diagnosis.
• Interstitial lung diseases — complex pathologies accompanied by fibrosis of the lung tissue.
• Sarcoidosis, affecting the lymphatic and respiratory systems.
• Lung tumours, including primary cancer and metastases — a condition where timely diagnosis is important.
• Tuberculosis, which, if suspected, will be referred by a doctor for the necessary examination.

Each of these diseases requires a specialised approach, regular monitoring and the involvement of an experienced doctor.

How respiratory diseases are treated

Treatment tactics in pulmonology are selected strictly on an individual basis. For chronic diseases such as asthma and COPD, basic medications are prescribed — bronchodilators, glucocorticosteroids, and mucolytics. The doctor teaches the correct use of inhalers and monitors the effectiveness of therapy.

For acute inflammation, such as pneumonia or bronchitis, antimicrobial therapy, drugs to improve sputum drainage, vitamins, and inhalations are used. Particular attention is paid to supporting the immune system and restoring breathing.

In some cases, physiotherapy, breathing exercises, and oxygen therapy are used.

For patients with limited mobility, online consultations with a pulmonologist are available, allowing them to receive recommendations without visiting the medical centre.

Examinations a Pulmonologist May Recommend

To clarify the diagnosis and assess the condition of the respiratory system, a pulmonologist may recommend:

• blood laboratory tests;
• pulse oximetry to assess blood oxygen saturation;
• functional breathing tests (if indicated);
• additional consultations with related specialists.

The list of examinations is determined individually and depends on the patient’s symptoms, age, and clinical picture.

Prevention of Respiratory Diseases

Regular monitoring by a pulmonologist helps prevent the development of chronic lung diseases and reduce the risk of complications.

For preventive purposes, it is recommended to:

• quit smoking and avoid passive tobacco smoke;
• promptly treat respiratory infections;
• undergo preventive check-ups if risk factors are present;
• monitor the respiratory system after viral illnesses;
• follow the doctor’s recommendations regarding lifestyle.

How much does a pulmonologist appointment cost?

A paid consultation with a pulmonologist at ZDRAVO includes a professional examination, medical history review, respiratory function assessment, and recommendations for further examination and treatment. Current prices for appointments:

• Initial consultation — 850 UAH
• Follow-up consultation — 800 UAH
• With ‘The annual care’ — 0 UAH

These are transparent prices with no hidden fees, allowing patients to plan their expenses in advance.

Why choose the ZDRAVO

ZDRAVO is a medical centre staffed by experienced specialists who adhere to international treatment protocols. Our patients receive comprehensive care: from the initial consultation to full recovery. We use modern equipment, conduct all necessary tests on site, and provide a personalised approach to each patient. Consultations are conducted by pulmonologist Lyudmila Filippovna Novokshanova, one of the most experienced specialists in Mykolaiv.

When to see a pulmonologist

The key indication for seeing a pulmonologist is a prolonged cough lasting more than 2–3 weeks. A cough with phlegm, bloody sputum, or accompanied by chest pain is particularly alarming. Shortness of breath is considered an important symptom, even if it only occurs during physical exertion. Over time, it can progress to respiratory failure.

You should also pay attention to:

• feeling short of breath at rest,
• waking up at night due to difficulty breathing,
• wheezing when inhaling or exhaling,
• increased sweating, weakness, rapid fatigue,
• weight loss for no apparent reason.

After recovering from COVID-19, it is worth consulting a pulmonologist even if you experience minor shortness of breath or a lingering cough. This is important for the early detection of post-viral changes in lung tissue.

Related services and other specialists

A comprehensive approach requires interaction with a number of related fields. As part of pulmonological observation, we also recommend:

• consultation with an allergist-immunologist — especially for bronchial asthma and frequent allergic reactions;
• a visit to a therapist — to assess your overall health;
• diagnosis and treatment by an otolaryngologist — for chronic sinusitis affecting breathing;
• physiotherapy — for chronic bronchitis and COPD;
• laboratory tests — including sputum analysis.

Breathing problems cannot be ignored. If you feel even the slightest signs of disorders, do not delay your visit. Make an appointment with a pulmonologist in Mykolaiv at the ZDRAVO medical centre and entrust your health to specialists.