Best Pulmonology Hospital in Siliguri — Expert Lung & Respiratory Care at Thalamus

Breathe Better. Live Fully. Get advanced diagnosis and treatment for all lung and respiratory conditions at Thalamus Institute of Medical Sciences — Siliguri's trusted NABH-accredited super-speciality hospital for pulmonary health.

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

Pulmonology & Respiratory Medicine at Thalamus, Siliguri

At Thalamus Institute of Medical Sciences (TIMS), Siliguri, our Department of Pulmonology and Respiratory Medicine is dedicated to delivering world-class care for every condition affecting the lungs, airways, and respiratory system. Whether you are dealing with a persistent cough, breathlessness, a complex lung disease, or a sleep-related breathing disorder, our expert pulmonologists in Siliguri are here to help you breathe better and livefully.

Respiratory illnesses are one of the leading causes of illness and mortality in North Bengal and across India — aggravated by rising air pollution, tobacco use, occupational exposure, and post-COVID complications. At TIMS, we combine advanced diagnostic technology, evidence-based treatment protocols, and a truly patient-centred approach to deliver superior outcomes for every patient — from children to senior citizens.

As a NABH-accredited super-speciality hospital with North Bengal's first hospital helipad, Thalamus is equipped to manage even the most critical respiratory emergencies with speed, precision, and compassion.

WHY THALAMUS FOR PULMONOLOGY

Why Choose Thalamus as Your Pulmonology Hospital in Siliguri?

Choosing the right pulmonology hospital in Siliguri can make all the difference in your recovery. Here is why thousands of patients across North Bengal, neighbouring states, and international locations trust Thalamus Institute of Medical Sciences for respiratory care:

NABH-Accredited Excellence 

Thalamus is a NABH-accredited hospital — a nationally recognised mark of quality and patient safety. Every clinical process in our Pulmonology Department meets the highest standards of care.

Advanced Diagnostic & Treatment Infrastructure 

Our pulmonology unit is equipped with state-of-the-art technology for accurate and early detection of all respiratory conditions — including high-resolution CT chest imaging, digital spirometry, flexible fibreoptics, bronchoscopy, sleep study labs (polysomnography), pulmonary function testing (PFT), and endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS).

Expert Multidisciplinary Team

Our team of experienced pulmonologists, respiratory therapists, critical care specialists, oncologists, and radiologists work in close collaboration to design personalised, comprehensive treatment plans. Complex cases benefit from multidisciplinary tumour boards and case conferences.

24×7 Emergency Respiratory Care

 Breathing emergencies do not wait. Our round-the-clock emergency pulmonology services manage severe asthma attacks, acute respiratory distress, pulmonary embolism, and life-threatening infections — all backed by a fully equipped ICU with one ventilator per ICU bed.

Helipad for Critical Cases

 As the first hospital in North Bengal with a helipad, Thalamus can rapidly receive critically ill patients from across the region — ensuring life-saving care reaches them faster.

Seamless International Patient Care

 We provide dedicated international patient services including airport pick-up and drop, guaranteed prior appointments, personal patient assistants, and tailored health packages — making Thalamus the preferred pulmonology hospital for patients from Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh, and beyond.

Cashless Insurance & TPA Empanelment 

Thalamus is empanelled with leading insurance companies and TPAs across India, ensuring cashless, hassle-free treatment for most patients.

CONDITIONS TREATED

Lung & Respiratory Conditions Treated at Thalamus Siliguri

Our lung specialists in Siliguri diagnose and treat a comprehensive range of pulmonary conditions, including:

Asthma 

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory condition of the airways that causes wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. Our specialists provide accurate diagnosis through spirometry and FeNO testing, followed by personalised management plans including inhalers, biologics, and allergy immunotherapy to minimise attacks and improve quality of life.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) 

COPD — encompassing chronic bronchitis and emphysema — is one of the most prevalent lung diseases in North Bengal, largely driven by tobacco use and biomass fuel exposure. Our pulmonologists offer comprehensive COPD management including pulmonary function testing, medication optimisation, smoking cessation support, and pulmonary rehabilitation programmes.

Tuberculosis (TB) & Drug-Resistant TB 

Tuberculosis remains a significant health challenge in our region. At TIMS, we offer accurate sputum and CBNAAT testing, chest CT, and DOTS-compliant treatment protocols, including management of drug-resistant TB

(MDR-TB and XDR-TB) cases.

Pneumonia & Severe Lung Infections 

From community-acquired pneumonia to hospital-acquired and ventilator-associated pneumonia, our team manages all severities of lung infections with targeted antibiotic therapy, supportive respiratory care, and ICU-level monitoring when required.

Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) & Pulmonary Fibrosis 

ILD encompasses a complex group of disorders causing lung scarring and progressive breathlessness. Our specialists use HRCT imaging, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), and lung biopsy for precise diagnosis, followed by anti-fibrotic therapy and multidisciplinary management.

Lung Cancer 

Our multidisciplinary lung cancer team combines pulmonology, oncology, and thoracic surgery expertise. We offer early detection through low-dose CT lung cancer screening, bronchoscopy, EBUS-guided biopsy, and comprehensive staging — followed by surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy as appropriate.

Sleep Apnea & Sleep-Related Breathing Disorders 

Snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are underdiagnosed but serious conditions that increase the risk of hypertension, stroke, and heart disease. Our sleep medicine unit offers overnight polysomnography (sleep study), CPAP/BiPAP titration, and lifestyle counselling for effective long-term management.

Pulmonary Embolism 

A pulmonary embolism — a blood clot in the lungs — is a medical emergency. Thalamus offers rapid CT pulmonary angiography, risk stratification, and evidence-based anticoagulation or thrombolysis therapy.

Pulmonary Hypertension 

High blood pressure in the arteries of the lung requires specialised diagnosis via echocardiography, right heart catheterisation, and targeted pulmonary vasodilator therapy. Our specialists manage this complex condition collaboratively with our cardiology team.

Bronchiectasis 

Abnormal widening of the airways leads to chronic infection and mucus build-up. We offer HRCT-based diagnosis and tailored treatment including physiotherapy, airway clearance techniques, and antibiotic protocols.

Pleural Diseases (Pleural Effusion, Pneumothorax) 

Fluid around the lungs or air within the chest cavity requires urgent intervention. Our team performs thoracentesis, chest tube drainage, and pleurodesis with precision and care.

Post-COVID Lung Complications 

Many patients experience persistent breathlessness, lung fibrosis, or reduced exercise tolerance following COVID-19. Our post-COVID pulmonary rehabilitation programme is designed to restore lung function and improve daily wellbeing.

Occupational & Environmental Lung Disease 

Exposure to dust, chemicals, asbestos, or industrial fumes can cause serious lung conditions such as silicosis, asbestosis, and hypersensitivity pneumonitis. We offer specialist assessment and management.

Chronic Cough & Unexplained Breathlessness 

Persistent cough or breathlessness without a clear cause deserves thorough investigation. Our pulmonologists conduct systematic workups to identify the root cause and provide effective relief.

Allergic Rhinitis, Sinus-Related Breathing Issues & Allergy 

Respiratory allergies are a frequent cause of chronic nasal congestion, post-nasal drip, and asthma. We offer allergen testing and immunotherapy in coordination with our ENT specialists.

Sarcoidosis & Rare Lung Conditions 

Our experienced team manages uncommon and complex conditions such as sarcoidosis, histiocytosis, lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM), and other rare lung disorders.

Advanced Procedures & Diagnostics Available at Thalamus Pulmonology Department

Flexible Fibreoptic Bronchoscopy A thin, flexible bronchoscope is gently passed through the nose or mouth into the airways, allowing our specialists to directly visualise the trachea, bronchi, and smaller airways. Bronchoscopy is used to diagnose lung infections, identify tumours, collect tissue biopsies, perform bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), and remove foreign bodies.

Pulmonary Function Tests (PFT) / Spirometry 

These non-invasive breathing tests measure lung capacity and airflow. They are essential for diagnosing and monitoring conditions like asthma, COPD, and ILD.

Sleep Study (Polysomnography) 

An overnight sleep study monitors brain waves, heart rate, oxygen levels, breathing patterns, and limb movements to diagnose sleep apnea, narcolepsy, and other sleep-related breathing disorders.

High-Resolution CT (HRCT) Chest 

HRCT provides detailed cross-sectional imaging of the lungs and is essential for diagnosing ILD, pulmonary fibrosis, lung infections, and cancer.

Endobronchial Ultrasound (EBUS) 

EBUS allows real-time ultrasound imaging during bronchoscopy to sample lymph nodes and lung masses near the airways — providing minimally invasive tissue diagnosis for lung cancer and sarcoidosis.

Thoracentesis & Pleural Biopsy 

Fluid from around the lungs is safely drained and analysed for infection, cancer, or other causes of pleural effusion.

CPAP / BiPAP Titration 

Patients diagnosed with sleep apnea receive tailored CPAP or BiPAP therapy setup and titration to ensure maximum comfort and compliance.

Smoking Cessation Programme 

Our structured, medically supervised smoking cessation programme combines counselling, NRT (Nicotine Replacement Therapy), and pharmacological support to help patients quit tobacco for good.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation 

For patients with COPD, ILD, post-COVID complications, or reduced exercise tolerance, our pulmonary rehabilitation programme includes supervised exercise training, breathing technique education, nutritional guidance, and mental health support.

Nebulisation & Daycare Procedures 

For patients requiring nebulised medication, IV antibiotics, or minor respiratory procedures, we offer convenient daycare facilities without the need for overnight hospital admission.

State-of-the-Art Pulmonology Facilities at Thalamus, Siliguri

The Pulmonology Department at Thalamus Institute of Medical Sciences is equipped with:

1. Digital Spirometry & Pulmonary Function Testing Lab
2. Dedicated Sleep Medicine Unit with Polysomnography
3. Flexible Bronchoscopy Suite
4. High-Resolution CT Chest Imaging (HRCT)
5. Endobronchial Ultrasound (EBUS) capability
6. Dedicated Respiratory ICU with 1 ventilator per ICU bed
7. 24-hour Pharmacy & Diagnostic Services
8. Daycare Facility for minor respiratory procedures
9. Smoking Cessation & NRT Clinic
10. Pulmonary Rehabilitation Gym & Programme
11. Dedicated Counselling & Dietary Guidance Services
12. Helipad for Emergency Air Evacuation (First in North Bengal)

Frequently Asked Questions — Pulmonology at Thalamus Hospital Siliguri

What is pulmonology and what does a pulmonologist treat? 

Pulmonology is the branch of medicine focused on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the lungs, airways, and respiratory system. A pulmonologist — also called a lung specialist or chest specialist — treats conditions such as asthma, COPD, tuberculosis, pneumonia, interstitial lung disease (ILD), lung cancer, sleep apnea, pulmonary embolism, and bronchiectasis, among many others.

When should I see a pulmonologist in Siliguri? 

You should consult a pulmonologist if you experience any of the following symptoms: persistent cough lasting more than 3 weeks, unexplained shortness of breath, wheezing or chest tightness, coughing up blood (haemoptysis), excessive mucus production, loud snoring or disturbed sleep, chronic fatigue, recurrent lung infections, or a smoking history with worsening breathlessness. Early consultation leads to better outcomes.

What is the difference between a pulmonologist and a general physician for lung problems? 

A general physician can manage common respiratory conditions. However, a pulmonologist has specialised training and advanced tools — such as bronchoscopy, HRCT imaging, EBUS, and sleep studies — to diagnose and manage complex, chronic, or severe lung diseases that go beyond primary care.

What is a bronchoscopy and is it painful? 

Bronchoscopy is a procedure where a thin, flexible tube with a camera (bronchoscope) is inserted through the nose or mouth into the airways to visualise and sample lung tissue. It is performed under local anaesthesia and mild sedation, making it a comfortable, virtually pain-free procedure for the patient.

How is COPD diagnosed and treated at Thalamus? 

COPD is diagnosed through spirometry (breathing tests), HRCT chest imaging, and a thorough clinical evaluation. At Thalamus, treatment includes inhaler therapy, smoking cessation support, pulmonary rehabilitation, and nutritional guidance — all customised to each patient's stage of disease and overall health.

Does Thalamus offer sleep apnea diagnosis and treatment? 

Yes. Our Sleep Medicine Unit offers overnight polysomnography (sleep studies) for accurate diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and other sleep-related breathing disorders. Treatment includes CPAP/BiPAP therapy, weight management counselling, and lifestyle modification.

Is Thalamus equipped to handle emergency breathing problems? 

Absolutely. Thalamus offers 24×7 emergency respiratory care, including management of severe asthma attacks, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), pulmonary embolism, pneumothorax, and severe pneumonia. Our ICU is equipped with one ventilator per bed and is staffed by critical care specialists round the clock.

Does Thalamus provide post-COVID lung rehabilitation? 

Yes. We have a dedicated post-COVID pulmonary care and rehabilitation programme for patients experiencing persistent breathlessness, reduced lung capacity, or lung fibrosis following COVID-19 infection.

What should I bring to my first pulmonology consultation at Thalamus? 

Please bring any previous medical records, chest X-rays, HRCT reports, previous spirometry results, blood test reports, and a list of current medications. If you have insurance, carry your insurance card and policy details.