Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine in Munich

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 Munich?

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 Munich 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 Munich 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 Munich

About Munich

Munich is the largest city in Southern Germany and it is one of a few places on earth where traditional and modern sit side by side, with its royal palaces and high-tech cars. Known as the ‘city of art and beer,’ this city is famous for its annual beer festival known as Oktoberfest. What most people do not realize is that Munich is also one of the world’s most famous medical tourism destination. Thanks to the famous German education system that creates skilled specialists, as well as state-of-the-art medical centers that invest in the latest medical technology, medical tourism in this city is a booming business that continues to grow at a fast rate. International patients usually travel to the city for quality rather than the price.

Popular Parts of Munich

Munich boasts a beautiful historic center, amazing German food, large parks and gardens, and beer halls packed with welcoming people. Visitors can explore numerous historical buildings, such as the Church of St. Peter and Frauenkirche. These two buildings have been around for centuries and are located in Munich’s Old Town. One of the most popular attractions in the city is Alte Pinakothek, which is an important art museum that houses over 800 works from the 14th – 18th centuries from German masters. Those who want to have a picnic, hike, simply relax or even try surfing should visit the English Garden. Other popular places include Dachau Concentration Camp, Nymphenburg Palace, BMW Museum, and Deutsches Museum.

Transport in Munich

The international airport of Munich is Munich Airport, which is the second-busiest airport in Germany in terms of passenger traffic. It serves international flights from many cities around the world, including Dubai, Bangkok, and Atlanta. Munich has a comprehensive network of public transportation that will take visitors virtually anywhere around the city. The most common transit system is the U-Bahn, which is a fast and easy underground subway system. Buses, trams, and commuter trains are also available and each has a vast network. Taxis are easy to hail, reliable, and safe. However, they are a bit pricey and Uber operates in Munich.

Visas in Munich

As a member of the Schengen Area, Germany allows citizens of several countries, including Australia, New Zealand, the US, and Poland to enter and stay in the country without a visa for up to 90 days. Citizens of other countries not listed in the visa-free entry need to obtain a visa to visit the country. Always check the requirements for Germany Visa Application before applying.

Weather in Munich

From June to August is the summer, which is a popular time to enjoy outdoor activities as the temperatures hover around 24°C. On very hot days, the temperatures can reach 30°C. Autumn (September – October) and spring (March-May) has pleasant weather with mild temperatures. Winter can be very cold, with temperatures dropping as low as -10°C.

Additional Info

1. Local Currency: Euro (EUR) is the official currency. 1 EUR is approx. 1.12 USD.
2. Money & Payments: ATMs are easy to find. Credit cards are not widely accepted and tipping is common practice.
3. Local Language: The official language is German. Many people, particularly in tourism areas, understand English to some extent.
4. Local Culture and Religion: Christianity is the largest religion in the city, followed by Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Judaism.
5. Public Holidays: Munich celebrates numerous holidays, including New Year’s Day and Christmas Day. It also hosts several festivals throughout the year, such as Oktoberfest in October.