Learn About Pulmonologists: Diseases They Treat and When to see one?

A Pulmonologist is a healthcare professional who specializes in pulmonary care or lung care. Pulmonologists diagnose, treat, and research pulmonary diseases and problems. They may have special knowledge of other types of internal medicine and specialties, as well, and they work closely with other doctors to help make patients comfortable and improve their health.

How does a doctor become a Pulmonologist?

In order to become a Pulmonologist, a person must graduate from an undergraduate program and then go on to attend medical school. After graduating from medical school, the doctor must complete an accredited internal medicine residency program. After residency, one must complete a 2-3 years of fellowship in Pulmonary diseases. During a fellowship, the doctor works under the careful watch of an experienced Pulmonologist at a hospital or clinic to gain experience and pursue a career in Pulmonary diseases.

What type of illnesses do Pulmonologists treat? 

Pulmonologists treat illnesses and diseases that affect the lungs. These can range from severe diseases to mild infections. Some of the most common illnesses that they treat include:

• Lung cancer
• COPD
• Asthma
• Emphysema
• Mesothelioma
• Chronic bronchitis
• Cystic fibrosis
• Bronchiolitis
• Pulmonary Embolism
• Lung infections like Pneumonia, Tuberculosis

What are the diagnostic tests and procedures ordered by a Pulmonologist?

Pulmonologists use a variety of tests to diagnose lung diseases and illnesses. They might order the tests from other doctors or specialists or conduct them themselves. Some of the most common diagnostic tests used include:

• Spirometry
• Lung volume test
• Chest X-ray and CT Chest
• Sputum studies
• Oxygen titration test
• Six-minute walk test
• Methacholine challenge test
• Cardiopulmonary exercise test
• Bronchoscopy
• Impulse oscillation or forced oscillation test
• High-altitude simulation testing
• Sleep Study

What are the different types of Pulmonologists?

Pulmonologists can specialize in several different areas. Some of these areas include:

• Sleep Apnea Specialists: Some pulmonologists specialize in treating sleep apnea.
• Asthma Specialists: Pulmonologists can specialize in asthma treatment.
• Clinical Pulmonologists: These pulmonologists work in a hospital or clinic and treat patients that are referred to them by primary care doctors.
• Research Pulmonologists: These pulmonologists work to learn more about specific diseases and illnesses to discover what kind of treatments are the most effective.

How do Pulmonologists treat Lung problems?

Pulmonologists use a variety of treatments to help their patients and prevent them from suffering from lung diseases and illnesses. Each disease or illness requires a different type of treatment. Some of these treatments include:

• Breathing treatments: Breathing treatments can help strengthen the lungs.
• Steroids: Steroids can help fight off infections and make the lungs stronger.
• Antibiotics: Antibiotics can be used to treat lung infections.
• Inhalers: Inhalers can help open airways and treat asthma and allergies.
• Oral medication: Oral medications can be given to patents to help treat lung infections and certain lung diseases.
• Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove scar tissue or cancerous tissue from the lungs.
• Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy is often used to treat lung cancer.
• Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy can be used to treat lung cancer and other lung problems.
• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is used to treat lung cancer.

When do you need to see a Pulmonologist?

Some of the reasons to see a Pulmonologist include:

• Chronic cough
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Asthma
• Breathing problems
• Lung cancer
• Sleep apnea
• Coughing up blood
• Fluid in lungs
• Coughing up mucus

Resources:

• American College of Chest Physicians.