The Results of Bedside Pulmonary Consultations in a State Hospital

Bedside pulmonary consultations (BPCs) in Duzce Ataturk State Hospital during 3 month-period in January 2011-August 2011 were recorded prospectively in order to evaluate clinical characteristics of the cases. BPC were requested from 28.9% (44) emergency, 23.7% (36) general surgery, 14.5% (22) intensive care unit. The most frequent reasons for BPC were respiratory symptoms and radiological abnormalities in 51 (33.6%) and 35 (23%) of the cases, respectively. %26.3 of cases (40) had normal chest radiography and the most frequent radiological finding was cardiomegaly (15.8%). Computed tomography and pulmonary function testing were ordered in 13 (8.6 %) and 44 (28.9%) of the cases, respectively. Obstructive lung disease, normal respiratory system finding, pulmonary infection and a cardiac disease were diagnosed in 48 (31.6%), 43 (%28.3), 19 (12.5%) of the cases, respectively. A medical treatment was proposed to 86 patients (56.6%). BPCs from emergency service and inpatient clinics were frequently due to respiratory complaints and the most common diagnosis was obstructive lung disease.