Consult Pulmonologists Online - Respiratory Medicine (170 doctors)

Who is a Pulmonologist?

A Pulmonologist is a medical specialist who treats patients suffering from respiratory or lung-related disorders. They have a deep understanding of the following types of respiratory conditions:

• Infectious
• Structural
• Inflammatory
• Neoplastic (tumour)
• Autoimmune

What is meant by pulmonology?

Pulmonology is a branch of medicine that specialises in diagnosing and treating disorders affecting the respiratory system.  Airways, lungs and muscles are the major components of a respiratory system.

Why should you see a pulmonologist?

If you experience any discomfort in breathing, you should consult a pulmonologist. Pulmonary vascular diseases can affect both the respiratory system and organs of the body.

Subspecialties of pulmonology are:

• Interstitial lung disease - Involves problems that mark persistent scarring and inflammation.
• Interventional pulmonology -  Includes multidisciplinary care to treat pleural diseases, airway disorders and lung cancer.
• Pre and post-surgery management (lung transplant).
• Neuromuscular disorders - These occur due to respiratory muscle failure.
• Obstructive lung disease - Includes airway narrowing or obstruction.
• Sleep-related breathing disorders.

What condition can a pulmonologist treat?
Some of the commonly conditions treated by pulmonologists are as follows:

• Interstitial lung-related problems
• Asthma attacks
• Bronchitis and bronchiectasis
• Emphysema
• COPD or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• Occupational lung diseases - inhalation of dust, chemicals or proteins
• Obstructive sleep apnea - slow breathing when you’re sleeping

What are the types of processes followed by a pulmonologist?

Pulmonologists do not perform any surgical procedures unless important. Instead, they suggest medications and therapies to treat lung-related disorders. Pulmonologists may interpret exams and tests to determine a lung-related diagnosis. These include: 

• Chest fluoroscopy: to check the functioning of the lungs.
• Chest ultrasound: to determine the structuring of chest and organs.
• Pulse oximetry: it examines the concentration levels of oxygen in the blood.
• Thoracentesis helps in removing fluids from the lungs.
• Chest tube helps in removing fluid or air from the lungs.
• Bronchoscopy determines the problems in the lower airways, trachea, larynx, and throat.

When should you consult a pulmonologist?

A general physician may recommend some medical exams that will better check your overall health condition. Consult a pulmonologist if you are:

• Unable to breathe properly
• Coughing endlessly
• Smoking frequently
• Experiencing sudden weight loss
• Have trouble exercising due to breathing problems

You must also consult a pulmonologist if you suffer from lung conditions such as asthma, lung cancer, sleep apnea, tuberculosis, and pulmonary hypertension.

Training and education requirements

During a physical exam, your doctor will use a stethoscope and closely listen to your breath sounds. Based on this information, the doctor could order some more tests to get a clear picture:

• Spirometry or non-invasive test - It evaluates the functioning of the lung. Take a deep breath and blow it into a tube that is joined with the spirometer.
• ABG or arterial blood gas test - It measures the acidity (pH) levels to detect the saturation levels of carbon dioxide and oxygen in the blood. 

All these tests may help determine COPD or any other condition such as asthma, heart failure, or restrictive respiratory disease.

Where to find a pulmonologist?

You can easily consult a pulmonologist at the Apollo 24|7 app or website. Browse the best pulmonologist doctors who can help manage and treat respiratory diseases such as heart failure, asthma and restrictive lung disease. Book an appointment from the comfort of your home and get online consultation from the best lung doctors in just 15 minutes.