Pulmonology
A pulmonologist is a doctor who specializes in lung conditions. A pulmonologist diagnoses and treats diseases of the respiratory system. You might hear these healthcare providers called lung doctors, lung specialists or chest doctors.
In addition to your lungs, your respiratory system includes your nose, throat, trachea, airways, muscles and blood vessels.
If you have a cough that lasts for a long time, or you have trouble breathing, your regular healthcare provider may suggest you see a pulmonologist. This specialist is an expert in diagnosing and treating lung-related health conditions. This is important especially when the condition may need long-term management.
- A cough that is severe or that lasts more than 3 weeks.
- Chest pain.
- Wheezing.
- Dizziness.
- Trouble breathing.
- Severe tiredness.
- Asthma that’s hard to control.
- Bronchitis or a cold that keeps coming back.
Some illnesses treated or managed by pulmonologists include, but aren’t limited to:
- Aspergillosis
- Asthma.
- Bronchiectasis.
- Bronchitis.
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- COVID-19.
- Cystic fibrosis.
- Emphysema.
- Interstitial lung disease.
- Lung cancer.
- Pulmonary hypertension.
- Sarcoidosis.
- Sleep apnea.
- Tuberculosis.
A pulmonologist can also treat occupation-related lung diseases like:
- Asbestosis.
- Chronic beryllium disease (berylliosis)
- Coal workers’ pneumoconiosis (black lung disease).
- Silicosis.