A referral to a pulmonologist — or the decision to book one yourself because of a nagging cough, breathlessness, or disturbed sleep — often comes with a fair amount of uncertainty. Most patients walk in not knowing what to expect: Will there be tests on day one? Do I need to fast? How long will it take?
This FAQ guide, put together by Dr. Shivanshu Raj Goyal, Director of Pulmonology, Respiratory & Sleep Medicine at Max Super Speciality Hospital (Gurgaon and Dwarka, Delhi), walks you through exactly what happens at a first pulmonology consultation — so you can walk in prepared and walk out with clarity.
1. What is a pulmonologist, and when should I see one?
A pulmonologist is a specialist who diagnoses and treats conditions affecting the lungs, airways, and breathing system — including asthma, COPD, tuberculosis, pneumonia, interstitial lung disease, lung cancer, and sleep-related breathing disorders like obstructive sleep apnea.
You should consider a consultation if you notice:
- A cough that has lasted more than three weeks
- Shortness of breath, even during light activity
- Chest pain that worsens with deep breathing or coughing
- Frequent respiratory infections
- Wheezing or asthma-like symptoms
- Unusual fatigue linked to poor sleep or snoring
- A history of smoking or long-term exposure to dust, smoke, or pollutants
If any of these sound familiar, an early consultation can prevent a minor issue from becoming a chronic one.
2. Do I need a referral to book my first appointment?
Not necessarily. While some patients arrive with a referral from their family physician, you can directly book a consultation with a pulmonologist if you’re experiencing respiratory symptoms. Many patients at Dr. Shivanshu Raj Goyal’s Gurgaon and Delhi clinics self-refer once symptoms like persistent cough, breathlessness, or disturbed sleep start affecting daily life.
3. What happens first — is it just a conversation, or are there tests immediately?
Your first visit almost always begins with a detailed conversation, not a battery of tests. Dr. Goyal typically starts by understanding:
- Your current symptoms — how long they’ve lasted, how severe they are, and what triggers or eases them
- Your medical history, including any past respiratory illnesses, allergies, or surgeries
- Family history of lung disease, asthma, or tuberculosis
- Lifestyle factors such as smoking history, occupational exposure, and travel history
- Any medications or treatments you’re currently on
This conversation typically takes 15–20 minutes and forms the foundation for everything that follows.
4. Will I be physically examined during the first visit?
Yes. After the discussion, a physical examination is standard practice. This usually includes:
- Listening to your lungs with a stethoscope to check for abnormal sounds like wheezing, crackles, or reduced air entry
- Checking your oxygen saturation using a pulse oximeter (a small clip placed on your finger)
- Measuring vital signs — blood pressure, pulse, respiratory rate, and sometimes weight/BMI
- Examining your throat, chest shape, and breathing pattern for visible clues
This hands-on exam helps narrow down the possible causes of your symptoms before any tests are ordered.
5. What tests might I need on the first visit?
Not every patient needs every test — Dr. Goyal tailors the workup to your symptoms. Commonly used first-line tests include:
- Spirometry (Pulmonary Function Test/PFT): A simple breathing test that measures how much air you can inhale and exhale, and how fast. It’s the standard test for diagnosing asthma and COPD.
- Chest X-ray: To rule out infections, structural changes, or masses.
- Blood tests: To check for infection, inflammation, or allergy markers.
- Pulse oximetry: To assess how well oxygen is being carried in your blood.
For more complex cases — such as suspected interstitial lung disease, lung cancer, or unexplained breathlessness — advanced tests like a CT scan of the chest, bronchoscopy, or sleep study (polysomnography) may be recommended, though these are usually scheduled as a follow-up rather than done on the spot.
6. Is spirometry painful or uncomfortable?
No. Spirometry is completely non-invasive. You simply breathe into a mouthpiece connected to a machine, following simple instructions (“take a deep breath, then blow out as hard and fast as you can”). It takes only a few minutes and involves no needles, radiation, or discomfort — just a bit of effort.
7. How long does a first consultation usually take?
A first visit with Dr. Shivanshu Raj Goyal typically takes 30 to 45 minutes, factoring in the history discussion, physical examination, and time for any point-of-care tests like spirometry or pulse oximetry. If additional imaging or lab work is required, results and a follow-up discussion may need a second visit.
8. How should I prepare for my first pulmonologist appointment?
A little preparation goes a long way in making the consultation more productive:
- Bring previous medical records — old X-rays, CT scans, blood reports, or prescriptions related to your symptoms
- List your symptoms with approximate start dates and any patterns you’ve noticed (worse at night, after exertion, seasonal, etc.)
- Note your medications, including over-the-counter drugs, inhalers, or supplements
- Mention your smoking history, even if you quit years ago
- Avoid a heavy meal or vigorous exercise right before a spirometry test, as it can affect breathing test results
- Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy chest examination
9. Will I get a diagnosis on the first visit itself?
In many straightforward cases — such as uncomplicated asthma, bronchitis, or a respiratory infection — Dr. Goyal can often provide a working diagnosis and start treatment during the first visit itself. For conditions that need imaging, biopsy, or specialized procedures like bronchoscopy or EBUS, the first visit establishes a clear diagnostic plan, and the final diagnosis follows once those results are in.
10. What treatment or next steps can I expect after the consultation?
Depending on the findings, you may leave your first visit with:
- A prescription for medication (inhalers, antibiotics, or other respiratory drugs)
- Lifestyle and preventive advice (quitting smoking, air quality precautions, breathing exercises)
- Referrals for further tests (CT scan, sleep study, bronchoscopy)
- A follow-up date to review test results or monitor progress
Dr. Goyal, who also specializes in interventional pulmonology procedures like flexible and rigid bronchoscopy, EBUS, and tracheobronchial stenting, ensures that even complex cases have a clearly explained treatment roadmap from day one.
11. Where can I consult Dr. Shivanshu Raj Goyal for my first pulmonology visit?
Dr. Goyal sees patients across three convenient locations in Delhi-NCR:
- Max Super Speciality Hospital, Dwarka, Delhi — Monday to Saturday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Max Hospital, Gurgaon (Sushant Lok 1) — Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- Salubrity Clinics, Golf Course Road, Gurugram — Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Appointments can be booked by calling 9667763536 (Max Hospitals) or 9958255552 (Salubrity Clinics).
12. Why choose Dr. Shivanshu Raj Goyal for your first pulmonology consultation?
With over a decade of clinical experience and specialized training in interventional pulmonology from Marseille, France, Dr. Goyal brings a thorough, patient-first approach to every consultation. He is a member of the Indian Chest Society, National College of Chest Physicians, and European Respiratory Society, and has been recognized with awards including the Rashtriya Gaurav in Medicine and Best Upcoming Pulmonologist in North India. His practice covers the full spectrum of respiratory and sleep medicine — from asthma and COPD to lung cancer care and sleep apnea — ensuring patients get an accurate diagnosis and a clear treatment path from the very first visit.
Ready for your first consultation? Book an appointment with Dr. Shivanshu Raj Goyal at Max Hospital, Gurgaon/Dwarka, or Salubrity Clinics, Gurugram.
