Care from A to Z
for your lungs
AZORG's Pulmonary Diseases department examines and treats all diseases of the lungs and respiratory tract. A team of 15 specialized pulmonologists, spread over 6 campuses, is ready to assist you.
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Lung diseases at AZORG
The Pulmonary Diseases department examines and treats diseases of the lungs and respiratory tract. Common examples are asthma, allergies, chronic cough, chronic bronchitis and infections. Sleep apnea also falls within the domain of the Pulmonary Diseases service.
Pulmonary embolism, pulmonary fibrosis and lung cancer are other conditions treated by the Pulmonology Service. Different lung diseases are approached in a multidisciplinary manner in which specialists are involved in the patient consultation.
In addition, nurses, psychologists and physiotherapists are also called in for integrated care. The team guarantees top care, with active participation in scientific research and training of young pulmonologists.
What we treat
- Asthma
- Allergy
- COPD
- Pneumonia (pneumonia)
- Collapsed lung (pneumothorax)
- Pulmonary embolism
- Lung cancer
- Sarcoidosis
Multidisciplinary collaboration with
Thoracic SurgeryRadiologyOncologyRadiotherapyCardiologyPathological AnatomyIntensive CarePhysiotherapyPsychologyContact us at your nearest campus
Book an appointment by phone, e-mail or online via mynexuzhealth. All campuses are reachable Monday through Friday.
Mon–Fri: 08:00–17:00
Mon–Fri: 08:00–17:00
Mon–Fri: 08:00–16:30
Joint Pulmonology/ENT consultation available
Mon–Fri: 08:00–16:30
Mon–Fri: 08:00–16:30
Mon–Fri: 08:00–16:30
Specialised pulmonologists
All pulmonologists are conventioned. Each has broad core expertise supplemented by sub-specialisations.
Dr. Valerie Adam
Pulmonologist
Dr. Berend-Jan Berendes
Pulmonologist
Dr. Annelies De Paepe
Pulmonologist
Dr. An Pletinckx
Pulmonologist
Dr. Dimitri Stylemans
Pulmonologist
Prof. Dr. Kurt Tournoy
Pulmonologist
Dr. Rika Van Herreweghe
Pulmonologist
Dr. Astrid Van Schelvergem
Pulmonologist
Conditions we treat
More information at azorg.be/longziekten.
🌬️ Asthma
In asthma, your airways are chronically inflamed and extra sensitive. This can lead to episodes of breathlessness, wheezing and coughing. With the right medication and follow-up, asthma can be kept well under control.
More info →🌿 Allergy
Your body overreacts to substances such as pollen, dust mites or animal hair. We identify the allergen through skin tests or blood tests. Treatment consists of medication or desensitisation (immunotherapy).
More info →🫁 COPD
COPD is a chronic lung disease in which your airways narrow, usually due to years of smoking. You experience increasing breathlessness, coughing and mucus. Smoking cessation, medication and pulmonary rehabilitation significantly slow the deterioration.
More info →🦠 Pneumonia (pneumonia)
Pneumonia is an infection of the lung tissue caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi. Typical symptoms are fever, coughing, breathlessness and fatigue. Most cases of pneumonia recover well with the right treatment.
More info →💨 Collapsed lung (pneumothorax)
In a pneumothorax, air escapes from the lung into the chest cavity, causing the lung to (partially) collapse. This can occur spontaneously or after trauma. You feel sudden stabbing chest pain and breathlessness.
More info →🩸 Pulmonary embolism
A pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot blocks a blood vessel in the lungs, usually originating from a leg vein. Symptoms include sudden breathlessness, chest pain and sometimes coughing up blood. Rapid diagnosis and blood thinners are essential.
More info →🔬 Lung cancer
Lung cancer is a malignant tumour in the lung tissue. Symptoms such as persistent coughing, coughing up blood or weight loss often only appear at a late stage. At AZORG, we discuss every patient weekly in a multidisciplinary meeting (MDT) for the best possible treatment.
More info →🔵 Sarcoidosis
In sarcoidosis, small inflammatory nodules (granulomas) form in your lungs, lymph nodes or other organs. The cause is unknown. Many patients have few symptoms and recover spontaneously; others require medication.
More info →😴 Sleep apnea (OSAS)
In sleep apnoea, your breathing repeatedly stops during sleep because the throat closes. You sleep poorly, snore loudly and feel tired during the day. After diagnosis through a sleep study, treatment with a CPAP mask or lifestyle changes is very effective.
More info →🫧 Interstitial lung diseases
In interstitial lung diseases, scar tissue (fibrosis) forms in the lungs, reducing oxygen absorption. You notice this through increasing breathlessness and a dry cough. Early detection and treatment are important to preserve lung function for as long as possible.
More info →🌿 Pleural disorders
The membrane around your lungs (the pleura) can become inflamed or fluid can accumulate. This causes pain when breathing and breathlessness. We diagnose this by ultrasound and can safely drain the fluid if needed.
More info →🦠 Flu & infections
Respiratory infections caused by viruses or bacteria — from severe influenza to tuberculosis — can seriously affect the lungs. Symptoms include fever, coughing, breathlessness and general malaise. We investigate the cause and start the appropriate treatment.
More info →Pulmonary examinations and procedures
The department has modern diagnostic and interventional techniques.
Allergy skin test
Prick test for identification of specific allergens.
Bronchoscopy
Internal keyhole surgery of the airways via flexible endoscope.
CT scan of the lungs
High-resolution imaging for screening and diagnosis.
Ultrasound endoscopy (EBUS)
Endoscopic ultrasound for minimally invasive lymph node biopsies.
Histamine threshold determination
Provocation test for suspected asthma.
Pulmonary function measurement
Spirometry, body plethysmography and diffusion measurement.
V/Q scan (lung perfusion)
Nuclear medicine examination for pulmonary embolism.
Pleural puncture
Ultrasound-guided puncture of the pleural space.
Polysomnography
Complete sleep study for sleep apnea diagnosis.
Rigid bronchoscopy
Interventional procedure for stenting or tumor treatment.
Thoracoscopy
Minimally invasive inspection of the pleural space.
Exercise Test (CPET)
Cardiopulmonary exercise test on bicycle.
Expert clinics in Respiratory Medicine
Besides general consultations, the department offers specialised clinics.
Sleep clinic
Do you sleep poorly, snore loudly or feel extremely tired during the day? In our sleep laboratory, we examine your sleep with sensors that measure your breathing, heart rate and brain activity. Based on this, we create a personalised treatment plan.
Smoking Cessation Clinic
Quitting smoking is the best investment in your lung health, and you don't have to do it alone. Our certified tobacco specialists guide you step by step with personal advice, medication and motivational counselling. Contact us at rookstopkliniek@azorg.be
Sports Clinic & Diving Medicine
Whether you are a top athlete or a recreational exerciser: we test your lung capacity and exercise tolerance. We also provide diving medical examinations. Ideal for those who want to exercise safely with a lung condition.
Pulmonary rehabilitation
After a serious lung disease, lung cancer treatment or COVID, our rehabilitation programme helps you get back on your feet. A team of pulmonologists, physiotherapists and psychologists work together on your fitness, breathing technique and quality of life.
Lung Cancer Clinic (MOC)
Every lung cancer patient is discussed weekly in a multidisciplinary oncology meeting (MDT). Pulmonologists, surgeons, oncologists and radiologists jointly decide on the best treatment plan — tailored to your situation.
Clinical scientific research
Our department actively participates in national and international studies on new treatments. As a patient, you may be eligible for innovative therapies. We are affiliated with Ghent University as a training centre.
Latest from Respiratory Medicine
Recent developments, studies and respiratory medicine news.
AZORG is fully committed to smoke-free care
AZORG is working towards a completely smoke-free hospital and offers intensive smoking cessation guidance.
23/12/2024AZORG Lung Diseases expands clinics
The service is strengthening its offering with a sports clinic and pulmonary rehabilitation.
15/01/2025New study into biomarkers in early COPD diagnosis
Multicentric study into early diagnosis of COPD.
Lopend onderzoekWant to make an appointment at Lung Diseases?
Online via mynexuzhealth, by telephone via your campus secretariat, or via referral from your GP.
Information for referring physicians
Quick referral, digital consultation and MDT meetings.
Book an appointment in Respiratory Medicine
Practical information
Via mynexuz.be — appointments can be booked 24/7 online via mynexuzhealth
Pulmonologist on call 24/7 reachable via the AZORG emergency department