Lung Specialists in Hamburg: PD Dr Kirsten & Prof. Dr Bahmer

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Experienced lung specialists devote their considerable expertise and individual care to the diagnosis and treatment of lung diseases at the Hamburger Lungenpraxis. Under the direction of PD Dr Anne-Marie Kirsten and Prof. Dr Thomas Bahmer, the practice offers a wide range of services—from the treatment of common diseases such as chronic cough, asthma, and COPD to the care of rare and complex lung diseases or sleep-related breathing disorders. As part of early lung cancer detection for smokers, PD Dr Kirsten and Prof. Dr Bahmer offer in-depth pulmonary and internal medicine diagnostics to detect early forms of chronic diseases associated with long-term cigarette smoking.

Early Detection of Lung Cancer and Chronic Diseases Associated with Cigarette Smoking: Preventive Healthcare at the Hamburger Lungenpraxis

Lung cancer is one of the most common types of cancer worldwide. It remains the most common cause of cancer death in men and the second most common in women. In addition to lung cancer, long-term cigarette smoking can also lead to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). After heart attacks and strokes, COPD and pneumonia have been the third and fourth leading causes of death worldwide for many years. Lung cancer and COPD or pulmonary emphysema are often only diagnosed at an advanced stage. Therefore, the Hamburger Lungenpraxis specializes in the early detection of secondary diseases caused by cigarette smoking. In cooperation with experienced radiologists, changes in the lungs can be visualized even before symptoms appear. In addition, the practice offers state-of-the-art pulmonary function tests that can visualize early-stage pathological changes in the small airways.

These examinations are particularly beneficial for people who have smoked for many years or still smoke, but who nevertheless take advantage of early detection options in time. The earlier a tumor or chronic narrowing of the airways is detected, the better the treatment options. Before all examinations, an informative consultation is held to discuss which examinations are appropriate based on individual risk factors.

In addition, PD Dr Kirsten and Prof. Dr Bahmer have extensive experience in clinical studies research. Their patients benefit from the latest medical findings and, if desired, can be referred to renowned research study centers.

Detect and Treat COPD Early

COPD develops over many years and often causes symptoms such as coughing, phlegm, or shortness of breath. Since these signs are easily overlooked in everyday life, early diagnosis is particularly important. An additional respiratory tract infection, in particular, can cause a sudden deterioration in lung function. Patients with suspected COPD and acute deterioration are therefore carefully examined at the Hamburger Lungenpraxis. Modern lung function diagnostic procedures are used to determine whether there is a narrowing of the airways and how far the disease has progressed. In some instances, microbiological laboratories are also used to identify possible infectious agents accurately.

Based on these results, PD Dr. Kirsten and Prof. Dr Bahmer work with their team to plan the best possible treatment. Their goal is to acute infections and exacerbations as effectively as possible, slow the progression of the disease, and maintain the patient's quality of life. Different measures are taken depending on the severity of the disease. In addition to quitting smoking counseling, these include administering medications that dilate the airways and, if necessary, inhibit inflammation, physiotherapy, measures to increase physical activity, and regular monitoring of lung function.

In some cases, it is sufficient to closely monitor the course of the disease at first, while in others, continuous therapy is necessary. The Hamburger Lungenpraxis ensures that patients always receive individual care and can rely on the specialists' experience. This makes it possible to significantly reduce the burden of COPD and cope with everyday life with stable breathing.

State-of-the-Art Asthma Treatment: Care from Experienced Pulmonologists

Another special focus of the Hamburger Lungenpraxis is the treatment of asthma, a condition that can manifest in nighttime coughing fits, wheezing, or sudden shortness of breath. Patients with asthma are thoroughly examined at the Hamburger Lungenpraxis to determine the exact cause and severity of the disease. This involves using established lung function diagnostic procedures and new methods for measuring airway inflammation (FeNO) and evaluating small airway function (impulse oscillometry), as well as bronchial methacholine inhalation provocation and allergy diagnostics (skin prick test, blood test for allergy susceptibility) if necessary. All of these procedures enable an individual evaluation of symptoms and, therefore, personalized therapy.

Once the diagnosis has been made, the specialists draw up a personalized treatment plan. The aim is to stabilize respiratory function in the long term and improve patients' quality of life. Depending on the examination results, there are various therapeutic approaches. These include, among others, drug treatments to reduce the underlying airway inflammation. In addition, the course of the disease is closely monitored.

Thanks to the many years of medical and scientific experience of PD Dr Kirsten and Prof. Dr Bahmer, patients benefit from care based on the latest scientific findings while at the same time taking their personal needs into account. This enables people with asthma to benefit from improved respiratory function and a daily life that is as symptom-free as possible.

Specialists in Rare Lung Diseases Such as Pulmonary Fibrosis & Sarcoidosis

One of the main areas of focus at the Hamburger Lungenpraxis is the care of patients with rare diseases such as pulmonary fibrosis and sarcoidosis. Both conditions are often difficult to diagnose, as the symptoms can be non-specific and only become apparent as the disease progresses.

For this reason, the practice carries out a thorough examination. If necessary, the findings are evaluated in consultation with other specialist centers (and presented to a fibrosis board at specialist pulmonary clinics) to make a reliable diagnosis. On this basis, specialists develop an individualized treatment plan tailored to the patient's needs. This ensures that patients receive specialized and reliable care, even in complex cases. Prof. Detlef Kirsten's many years of experience in this field are also drawn upon when developing the individual therapeutic concept. Prof Kirsten was head of the outpatient clinic for rare lung diseases at the LungenClinic Grosshansdorf for many years and has contributed to the development of key guidelines and a specialist book. He continues to apply the knowledge he has acquired over many years in an advisory capacity for patients at the Hamburger Lungenpraxis.

Longstanding Experience in the Diagnosis of Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a widespread condition that causes breathing interruptions during sleep. Patients often only notice this through daytime fatigue or restless sleep. The most essential bodily functions during sleep are recorded in the patient's own bed using nightly recordings of oxygen saturation, respiratory flow, chest movement, body position, and other parameters. The findings can lead to further diagnosis in a sleep laboratory, where sleep apnea syndrome may be diagnosed. The Hamburger Lungenpraxis works closely with specialized sleep laboratories for further diagnosis.

Based on this, the specialists recommend suitable therapeutic measures—from special breathing masks (CPAP) and weight management to other supportive procedures. The aim is to improve long-term sleep quality, reduce health risks, and help patients enjoy restful sleep again.

Please visit the website of the Hamburger Lungenpraxis for more information.