Pulmonology (Respiratory Medicine)
About the Speciality
Our Respiratory Medicine department delivers specialist care for the full spectrum of lung and sleep disorders, from asthma and COPD to interstitial lung disease, lung cancer and acute respiratory failure. An interventional pulmonologist, sleep specialist, respiratory therapist and critical care expert make up our multidisciplinary team, which provides personalised diagnosis, bronchoscopic and image-guided interventions, comprehensive rehabilitation, and post-COVID support. The clinic offers in-depth functional testing (PFT, DLCO, body plethysmography, FeNO, CPET), level-1 and level-3 sleep studies, and therapeutic services such as EBUS, cryobiopsy, pleuroscopy, and bronchial artery embolisation.
Relevant diseases
& conditions
Seasonal Flu (Influenza)
Seasonal flu is a contagious respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses, which circulate annually. It affects the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs, leading to fever, body aches, and fatigue. The virus spreads through droplets from coughing, sneezing, or close contact. Most people recover within one to two weeks, but complications like pneumonia can occur in high-risk individuals. Early vaccination, good hygiene, and supportive care help prevent infection and reduce severity.
Pulmonary Fibrosis / Interstitial Lung Diseases (ILD)
Pulmonary fibrosis and interstitial lung diseases (ILD) are conditions where the lung tissue becomes scarred and stiff, reducing oxygen transfer to the bloodstream. This leads to progressive shortness of breath, chronic cough, and decreased lung function. Causes include autoimmune diseases, environmental exposures, certain medications, and unknown factors. Early diagnosis through imaging and lung function tests, along with medical management and lifestyle adjustments, helps slow disease progression, improve quality of life, and manage symptoms effectively.
Pneumonia & Lung Infections
Pneumonia and other lung infections occur when bacteria, viruses, or fungi infect the lungs, causing inflammation of the air sacs (alveoli). Symptoms can range from mild cough and fever to severe breathing difficulty and chest pain. Causes include respiratory pathogens, weakened immunity, smoking, or chronic illnesses. Early diagnosis and proper treatment with antibiotics, antivirals, or supportive care are essential to prevent complications such as sepsis or respiratory failure and to restore normal lung function.
Pleural Diseases (Pleural Effusion, Pneumothorax, Empyema)
Pleural diseases affect the pleura, the thin membrane surrounding the lungs. Common conditions include pleural effusion (fluid buildup), pneumothorax (air in the pleural space), and empyema (pus accumulation). These disorders can cause breathing difficulty, chest pain, and reduced lung function. Causes include infections, lung injury, heart failure, or underlying lung disease. Early diagnosis through imaging and proper management with medications, drainage procedures, or surgery is essential to relieve symptoms, restore lung function, and prevent serious complications.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder in which the upper airway repeatedly becomes partially or completely blocked during sleep, causing interrupted breathing. This leads to poor sleep quality, daytime fatigue, and increased risk of cardiovascular problems, high blood pressure, and metabolic issues. Risk factors include obesity, large neck circumference, and certain anatomical features. Early diagnosis through sleep studies and proper management with lifestyle changes, CPAP devices, or surgery can improve sleep quality and overall health.
Asthma & COPD
Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) are chronic respiratory disorders that affect airflow and breathing. Asthma is characterised by airway inflammation and narrowing triggered by allergens, exercise, or irritants, often reversible with treatment. COPD, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema, causes long-term airflow obstruction, usually due to smoking or environmental exposure. Both conditions can lead to breathlessness, cough, and fatigue. Early diagnosis, medication, lifestyle changes, and avoiding triggers help control symptoms, improve lung function, and enhance quality of life.
Allergies
Allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to normally harmless substances called allergens. Common allergens include pollen, dust, pet dander, certain foods, and insect stings. Reactions can range from mild symptoms like sneezing and itching to severe, life-threatening conditions such as anaphylaxis. Early identification of triggers and proper management are essential to reduce discomfort and prevent complications. Treatment may include avoiding allergens, medications like antihistamines, and, in some cases, immunotherapy to reduce sensitivity over time.
Procedures & treatments provided
Sleep Study (Polysomnography)
A sleep study, or polysomnography, is a test that monitors your sleep patterns to diagnose sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, insomnia, restless legs syndrome, or narcolepsy. During the study, various body functions—such as brain activity, eye movements, heart rate, breathing, oxygen levels, and limb movements—are recorded overnight.
Pulmonary Function Tests (PFT)
Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) are a group of tests that measure how well the lungs work. They assess lung volumes, capacities, flow rates, and gas exchange. PFTs help diagnose respiratory conditions, monitor disease progression, and evaluate treatment effectiveness for conditions like asthma, COPD, and interstitial lung disease.
Pleurodesis
Pleurodesis is a treatment to prevent recurrent fluid buildup (pleural effusion) or collapsed lung (pneumothorax). A chemical agent, usually talc, or a medication is introduced into the pleural space to create adhesion between the lung and chest wall, reducing future fluid/air accumulation and improving breathing.
Pleural Tapping (Thoracentesis) – Diagnostic & Therapeutic
Pleural tapping, or thoracentesis, is a procedure to remove fluid from the pleural space (between the lungs and chest wall). It serves two purposes: Diagnostic: Fluid is tested to identify infections, cancer, or other conditions. Therapeutic: Relieves shortness of breath, chest pressure, and discomfort caused by fluid buildup. The procedure is usually performed under sterile conditions, sometimes guided by ultrasound.
Intercostal Tube Insertion (Chest Tube Placement)
Intercostal tube insertion, also called chest tube placement, involves inserting a tube between the ribs into the pleural space to drain air, blood, or fluid from around the lungs. It helps re-expand the lung, relieve pressure, and improve breathing. This procedure is commonly done in trauma, pleural effusion, pneumothorax, or Empyema/or after surgery
Bronchoscopy
Bronchoscopy is a procedure where a thin, flexible or rigid tube (bronchoscope) is inserted through the nose or mouth into the airways to examine the lungs and bronchial tubes. It helps diagnose lung diseases, infections, tumors, or blockages, and can also be used to remove foreign bodies or take tissue samples (biopsies).
Thoracoscopy
Thoracoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that allows doctors to examine the chest cavity, lungs, and pleura using a thin, flexible or rigid scope (thoracoscope) inserted through a small incision in the chest. It is used to diagnose or treat lung diseases, pleural effusions, tumors, infections, or adhesions, and can also be used to perform biopsies or certain surgical interventions.
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Find Us at Our Facilities
Royal Bahrain Hospital, Salmaniya
Royal Bahrain Hospital, Salmaniya
Orthopedics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Urology, General Surgery, Cardiology and Plastic Surgery
93
Doctors
77
Beds
15
Services
2011
Established in
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