Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine in Lebanon

Pulmonary and respiratory medicine is a medical specialty that deals with diseases related to the respiratory system, including the nose, throat (pharynx), windpipe (trachea), larynx, the lungs, and the diaphragm. Physicians who are specially trained in pulmonary and respiratory medicine are called pulmonologists or respiratory physicians. They are qualified to diagnose, treat, and manage patients with serious or chronic breathing problems, such as:

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Asthma and other small airway conditions
• Cancer, such as cancer of the lung
• Tuberculosis (TB)
• Cystic fibrosis
• Pneumonia and empyema
• Bronchiectasis
• Allergic lung and bronchial disorders
• Interstitial lung disease
• Chronic cough
• Pulmonary vascular disorders, such as pulmonary embolism, pulmonary hemorrhage, and pulmonary hypertension
• Pediatric lung diseases
• Critical care and ventilatory failure
• Sleep disorders related to breathing, such as obstructive sleep apnea
• Pleural conditions, such as pneumothorax, pleural effusion, and malignancy.

Pulmonologists can perform a wide range of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Some of the most common are as follows:

• Spirometry
• Laboratory tests, such as blood tests
• Pulmonary function tests
• Scintigraphy
• Chest X-rays
• CT scans
• Sleep studies (polysomnography)
• Pleural (lung) ultrasound
• Thoracoscopy
• Bronchoscopy
• Pleuroscopy
• Biopsy, such as transthoracic needle aspiration biopsy
• Positron emission tomography.

A Pulmonologist does not usually perform major surgery. If you require major surgery, particularly on the lungs, they will likely refer you to a thoracic surgeon.

How Long Should I Stay in Lebanon?

Your length of stay depends on the disease you have. In most cases, you do not need to stay in the hospital after your procedure, but you may want to stay in Lebanon for at least 3 days. Your doctor will schedule an appointment when the results of your tests are ready. During this appointment, they will explain the results to you and discuss the best treatment plan for your specific case.

What's the Expected Recovery Time?

Recovery times can be different from one person to another. You may not be allowed to work, drive, operate machinery, sign legal documents, or drink alcohol for 24 hours. It is important that you rest as much as possible and take it easy during this period. Remember that this recovery period is for the procedure, not for the disease.

What Aftercare is Required?

You will be given specific aftercare instructions, which may include activity and diet restrictions. Your doctor may prescribe medicines. Make sure to take the medicines as directed. Some respiratory diseases require long-term care, which means that you need to see your doctor regularly. However, if you cannot travel to Lebanon multiple times. You can always choose to have these regular checkups with your local doctor.

What's the Success Rate?

The success rate of pulmonary and respiratory medicine procedures, both the diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, are high. These procedures have also been proven to be safe. With advances in medical technology and a better understanding of the respiratory system, the success rate continues to increase, and the risks are becoming minimal. However, this does not mean that the procedures are free of risks. You need to be aware that, although very rare, complications such as lung collapse and bleeding can still occur.

Are there Alternatives?

In some cases, your general physician may be able to manage your disease so you do not need to see a pulmonologist. However, if they think that you need specialist care, they will still refer you to a pulmonologist. 

Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine in and around Lebanon

Lebanon, a country on the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea, is one of the smallest sovereign states. The country boasts a fascinating mixture of the Middle East and the West, Christianity, and Islam, and tradition and modernity. It has everything from golden beaches and World Heritage Sites to energetic nightlife and delicious cuisine. Among other countries in the Middle East, Lebanon appears to be one of the most popular medical tourism destinations. Over 10% of the tourists visiting the country, particularly from neighboring countries, come to receive medical care. Many hospitals and clinics in the country are accredited to the ISO:9000 standard and offer world-class specialist services in spine treatment, orthopedics, organ transplant, and other complex surgeries, as well as advanced cancer treatments. Cosmetic and reconstructive surgery are also popular.

Popular Parts of Lebanon

Beirut, the capital and largest city of Lebanon, is filled with historic landmarks and natural wonders. The most famous attractions in the city are the National Museum of Beirut, the Corniche and Pigeon Rocks, Sursock Museum, and Mohammed Al Amin Mosque. Many people also come to Lebanon to visit the port town of Sidon. Once a rich and thriving Phoenician city, it is dotted with historical monuments and ancient remnants, particularly in its Old City. Other popular cities include Tripoly, Baalbek, Byblos, and Tyre.

Weather and Climate in Lebanon

Lebanon has four seasons: winter (December to March), spring (April to May), summer (June to September), and autumn (October to November). Winter is the rainy season with high precipitation levels and cool temperatures. It is snowy in the mountains, but in some places, such as Beirut, it just rains during this season. Summer is hot, sunny, and dry, and can get very humid in cities located close to the sea. In the summer, the average temperatures are around 28°C to 30°C. Spring and autumn are both warm and pleasant. 

Getting around in Lebanon

The main international airport where visitors fly into and out of Lebanon is Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport, which is the only operational commercial airport in the country. It serves international flights to numerous major cities across Europe and the Middle East, including Moscow, Paris, London, and Dubai. Given the small size of the country, there are no internal flights. Intercity buses and minibus are available and have an extensive network, especially in coastal areas. The best way to get around the country is by hiring a car (with a driver) or by using intercity taxis. 

Tourist Visas in Lebanon

All visitors need to obtain a visa to enter and stay in Lebanon unless they come from one of the seven visa-exempt countries (including Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, and Jordan). Citizens of 81 countries, including all EU countries, Australia, China, Canada, and the United States, are eligible for a visa on arrival for a maximum stay of 30 days. A conditional visa on arrival is available for citizens of 15 countries, including Algeria, Libya, Iraq, and Yemen. 

Additional Information

1. Local Currency: Lebanese Pound (LBP) is the official currency in Lebanon. 1 USD is equivalent to around 1,507 LBP. US dollars and the euro is widely accepted as well.
2. Money & Payments: ATMs are widely available in many places around Beirut and other large cities. Many ATMs dispense both US dollars and Lebanese pounds. Credit cards, particularly Visa and MasterCard, are accepted at most major establishments. Tipping can be expected, usually around 10% to 15% of the bill. 
3. Local Language: Arabic is the official language in Lebanon. English and French are widely spoken as well, and many Lebanese can speak at least two to three languages.
4. Local Culture and Religion: Islam (around 60% of the population) and Christianity (around 34%) are the primary religions in Lebanon. About 5% of Lebanese practice the Druze faith, while other religions are practiced by the remaining 1% of the population.
5. Public holidays: New Year’s Day, Christmas Day, Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, All Saints’ Day, Resistance and Liberation Day, as well as Independence Day are some of the more important holidays in Lebanon.