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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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

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.

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.