Persistent cough, wheeze, breathlessness or repeated chest infections require an explanation, not simply repeated courses of medication. Pulmonology assesses the airways, lung tissue, pleura and breathing during sleep. Immunology may contribute when allergic inflammation or a confirmed problem of immune defence is relevant.
MPGCARE coordinates specialist assessment at Medical Park and Liv Hospital in Türkiye. The hospital confirms the appropriate physician, investigations and available treatment. We support medical records, communication, appointments and travel. The goal is an accurate diagnosis and an individual management plan with realistic expectations.

Respiratory and immune-related conditions

The following topics require different investigations and treatments. Not every cough is asthma, not every nodule is cancer, and recurrent infection does not by itself prove immune deficiency. Services and specialist suitability are confirmed for the individual case.

How does the first consultation work?
The specialist reviews duration, progression, sputum, smoking and vaping, workplace exposures, allergies, infections, medicines and previous imaging. Bring original CT images where available, spirometry reports, cultures, discharge letters and device details. Breathlessness can also arise from cardiac or other causes, so the pathway may involve additional specialists.

What do respiratory function tests show?
Spirometry measures airflow and exhaled volumes; a bronchodilator response test compares results before and after an inhaled medicine. Lung volumes and diffusion capacity can clarify different patterns. FeNO, exercise/walk tests or blood gases answer selected questions. A single result is interpreted alongside symptoms and test quality. Do not stop inhalers on your own: the laboratory provides individual preparation instructions.

Imaging, bronchoscopy and EBUS
X-ray or CT is selected for a specific clinical question; repeated scans are not automatically necessary. Bronchoscopy examines the airways and may obtain samples. EBUS can sample selected lymph nodes where indicated. Not every patient needs an invasive procedure. The team discusses preparation, sedation, bleeding or infection risks and, for certain biopsies, pneumothorax risk. Inform the team about blood thinners; changes must follow medical instructions.

Asthma care and specialist biological medicines
The plan starts with diagnosis, trigger review, correct inhaler technique and regular appropriate treatment. Difficult control prompts review of adherence and other conditions before escalation. Selected severe asthma may benefit from biological medicines after assessment of the relevant inflammatory pattern and eligibility. These are not suitable for every asthma patient, and benefits, risks, monitoring and availability are clarified by the hospital.

COPD and bronchiectasis follow-up
Treatment aims to improve symptoms, reduce flare-ups and support activity. In COPD, smoking cessation, inhalers and rehabilitation can be important. In bronchiectasis, airway-clearance training and appropriately selected sputum cultures guide care. Antibiotics are not required for every cough, and oxygen is prescribed on assessment rather than breathlessness alone. An exacerbation plan explains whom to contact and when to seek urgent care.

Fibrosis, sarcoidosis and immune-related disease
Similar scan findings can represent different disorders. The team combines exposure history, imaging, function and selected laboratory or tissue results. Some fibrotic diseases may require anti-fibrotic treatment; selected inflammatory disease may need immune-modifying medicines. These approaches are not interchangeable. Monitoring considers progression, organ involvement and adverse effects; complete reversal of established scarring cannot be promised.

Repeated infections and immune assessment
Documented frequency, organisms, severity, hospitalisations and response to treatment are reviewed. Immunoglobulins and further immune studies are used only where clinically relevant. Primary disorders are distinguished from secondary causes, including medicines. Immunoglobulin replacement or preventive therapy requires an appropriate diagnosis. Vaccination planning is individual, especially during immune-suppressing treatment; supplements do not replace investigation or prescribed care.

Sleep studies, CPAP and respiratory support
Sleep testing evaluates breathing patterns and oxygen changes. CPAP uses positive pressure for suitable obstructive sleep apnoea and needs correct fitting and follow-up. Oxygen and non-invasive ventilation address different problems and are not interchangeable. Bring existing device settings and reports. The specialist confirms safety, practical education and continued access to supplies or support after returning home.

When are symptoms an emergency?
Severe or suddenly worsening breathlessness, blue lips, confusion, fainting, significant coughing of blood or sudden chest pain require urgent local care. Suspected pulmonary embolism, pneumothorax or a severe asthma attack must not wait for an overseas appointment or online reply. Follow your prescribed emergency plan and seek local emergency help; in Türkiye call 112.

Can I fly or travel during lung treatment?
Travel suitability depends on stability, recent exacerbations, oxygen needs, infection risk and recent procedures. Cabin conditions may require a separate assessment or oxygen arrangements for some patients. Suspected contagious infection or unresolved pneumothorax needs specialist advice before travel. Do not arrange a flight solely on the basis of an online document review; obtain clinical approval and agree airline/device requirements where relevant.

Documents, costs and second opinions
Send age, symptoms, diagnoses, imaging reports/images, lung tests, infection results and current medicines via MPGCARE’s designated channel. The hospital reviews the appropriate specialty and proposed investigations. An itemised estimate should clarify consultation, tests, procedures, medication, devices and follow-up. A preliminary opinion supports planning and does not replace examination or guarantee a diagnosis or treatment.

Patient coordination and long-term care
Free Sarp–Trabzon transfer is provided for road arrivals and free airport–hospital transfer for air arrivals; timing, route and accompanying-person arrangements are confirmed in advance. Follow-up may include function tests, symptom review, rehabilitation and medication monitoring. Before leaving, obtain the clinical summary, written action plan and coordination with clinicians in the home country.

Patient information sources: NHLBI: asthma · NHLBI: COPD · NHLBI: lung tests · NHS: bronchiectasis · NHLBI: fibrosis · NHS: sleep apnoea · NHS: pulmonary embolism · NHS: immunology · NHS: bronchoscopy/EBUS