When it comes to managing life-threatening respiratory conditions, timely intervention and specialized care can make all the difference. This is once again proven by the Pulmonology Department at NHS Hospital, where a 25-year-old man made a remarkable recovery after suffering from a severe asthma attack with respiratory failure complicated by morbid obesity.
The patient was admitted with severe breathlessness, wheezing, persistent cough. His respiratory rate had reached 40 breaths per minute with abdominal paradox. In the background his illness started from childhood but he was receiving treatment on/off treatment in the past. Noncompliance to treatment along with morbid obesity led to severe worsening of his disease.
The Case: A Life in Distress
The young man arrived at the Emergency Department of NHS Hospital with above mentioned complaints. His family reported that he had been struggling for several days with increasing wheezing and cough, which were initially thought to be mild but soon escalated into a full-blown respiratory crisis.
On examination, the medical team found his oxygen levels dropping rapidly, and he was in severe respiratory distress with wheezing. The case was immediately referred to the Pulmonology Department, led by Dr. Ankit (DM Pulmonology), Head of the Department.
Critical Intervention by NHS Pulmonology Expert
According to Dr. Ankit, the patient was in respiratory failure, a condition where the lungs are unable to provide enough oxygen to the blood. Immediately patient was put on moist oxygen support, nebulization with bronchodilators started and intravenous steroid given. Despite above treatment patient clinical condition did not improve. His carbon dioxide levels in blood were increasing.
Recognizing the severity, Dr. Ankit decided to shift the patient to Intensive Care Unit where he was intubated and put on mechanical ventilation support. This was done to provide rest to muscles of respiration and improve oxygen levels and decrease raised carbon dioxide blood levels.
For the next four days, the patient was closely monitored in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). The NHS Pulmonology Department’s multidisciplinary team, including critical care nurses and respiratory therapists, worked around the clock to manage his ventilation settings, medication, and overall recovery process.
From Ventilator to Full Recovery
After four days of intensive ventilatory support, the patient’s condition began to stabilize. His breathing pattern improved, oxygen levels normalized and carbon dioxide levels decreased to normal levels. Following a careful assessment by the pulmonology team, Dr. Ankit decided to perform an extubation, a process where the breathing tube is safely removed once the patient can breathe on his own.
Post-extubation, the patient was kept on supplemental oxygen for next two more day to ensure a smooth transition. By the sixth day, his respiratory parameters had returned to normal, and he was breathing comfortably without support. After full recovery, he was discharged in stable condition, with proper advice and follow-up instructions.
NHS Hospital’s Pulmonology Department: A Beacon of Respiratory Excellence
The case reflects the expertise and readiness of the Pulmonology Department at NHS Hospital. With advanced equipment, cutting-edge technology, and a team of experienced and talented doctors, the department is known for handling complex respiratory emergencies with precision and compassion. Dr. Ankit (DM Pulmonology), Head of the Department, emphasized the importance of Asthma management and obesity in preventing such critical situations.
Let us Understand Bronchial Asthma
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways. Asthma symptoms result from ongoing inflammation (swelling) that makes your airways very sensitive and narrower than normal. Most people who have asthma have one or more of these symptoms: Coughing. Coughing from asthma is often worse at night, making it hard to sleep. Sometimes coughing brings up mucus.
Wheezing. Wheezing is a whistling or squeaky sound when you breathe. Chest tightness. This can feel like something is squeezing or sitting on your chest. Shortness of breath. Some people say they can’t catch their breath, or they feel out of breath— like they can’t get enough air out of their lungs. Asthma triggers: such as pollen, exercise, viral infections, or cold air, can set off or worsen asthma symptoms.
Is Asthma Curable?
The simple answer in No… it can be managed by working with a healthcare provider to develop a plan to keep your asthma under control.
Untreated Asthma in Children
For children, asthma may impair airway development and reduce maximally attained lung function, and these lung function deficits may track (or persist) into adulthood without additional progressive loss.
Untreated Asthma in Adults
Adult asthma may accelerate lung function decline and increase the risk of airflow obstruction, especially for smokers with asthma
Occupational Asthma
Work-related asthma from occupational sensitizers and/or irritants is common and is an important consideration for individuals who present with asthma symptoms during their productive working years
Asthma and Co morbidities
Sometimes Asthma is difficulty to manage due to presence of associated co morbidities such as obesity, Allergic Rhinitis, Gastroesophageal reflux disease, obstructive sleep apnea and Anxiety/Depression
Asthma Management
Every patient should have a written Asthma action plan – to improve symptom control, reduce future exacerbations
The Pulmonology Department at NHS Hospital routinely educates patients about triggers Asthma action plan, inhaler use, and lifestyle modifications for better control of symptoms. According to the department, awareness and timely medical care can significantly reduce asthma-related hospitalizations and deaths.
A Team-Centered Approach to Critical Care
One of the defining strengths of NHS Hospital’s Pulmonology Department is its team-centered approach. Every patient, regardless of condition, benefits from the collective expertise of the pulmonologists, critical care specialists, nurses, and respiratory technicians. The department ensures continuous monitoring, personalised treatment, and evidence-based decision-making.
Education and Preventive Awareness
The case also highlights a vital message: asthma can affect every age group. The Pulmonology Department at NHS Hospital regularly conducts awareness programmes, patient education camps, and pulmonary rehabilitation sessions to help patients manage chronic respiratory diseases better.
Dr. Ankit further stated, “Asthma doesn’t have to stop anyone from living a normal life. With the right treatment, awareness, and lifestyle management, patients can lead completely healthy lives. The goal of our department is not just to treat but also to educate and empower patients.”
The Patient’s Journey Back to Normal Life
After his discharge, the young patient expressed immense gratitude towards Dr. Ankit and the entire Pulmonology Department of NHS Hospital. He shared that he now feels completely fine and is following all the advice given by his doctors, including regular exercise, weight management, and medication adherence.
He said, “I am thankful to the NHS Hospital team for saving my life. When I came in, I could hardly breathe. But thanks to their timely treatment and care, I can now live a normal life again.”
A Testament to Compassion and Competence
This successful recovery not only underlines the medical excellence of NHS Hospital but also showcases the compassion and commitment of its Pulmonology Department. It’s a powerful reminder that with dedicated doctors, advanced technology, and timely care, even the most critical asthma attacks can be overcome.
The Pulmonology Department continues to uphold NHS Hospital’s mission of delivering quality healthcare with precision, compassion, and innovation. Through its relentless efforts, it stands as a symbol of hope for countless patients struggling with respiratory ailments.
Final Word
Asthma, though common, can turn fatal if neglected. NHS Hospital’s Pulmonology Department, under the leadership of Dr. Ankit (DM Pulmonology) and his expert team, proves that when modern medicine meets dedication, recovery is not just possible—it’s assured.
The case of this 25-year-old man serves as a reminder that regular treatment, lifestyle control, and expert medical guidance are the real keys to breathing easy and living healthy.