What is Pulmonologist? The Lung Specialists You Need To Know

Persistent cough? Shortness of breath from doing routine activities? Fatigue?? Then it is high time you consult a “pulmonologist”! 

A pulmonologist is a physician who specializes in treating ailments concerned with the respiratory system, right from the nose to alveoli to blood vessels. Pulmonology is the branch of medicine that deals with the study of the respiratory system and its associated disorders.

When should one consult a pulmonologist? 

• When you have trouble breathing while carrying out mild routine activities than before.
• Breathlessness accompanied by swelling of legs and foot, which is indicative of pulmonary Edema.
• Chronic uncontrolled asthma with unidentifiable triggers.
• Persistent coughing does not seem to get better even after consulting a general physician. Long-term persistent cough can arise due to respiratory infections or even due to cancer. 
• Long-term smokers.
• Tightness in chest.
• Wheezing. 
  
• Frequent bouts of cold. 

What can be expected during the visits to a pulmonologist clinic? 

• Usually following tests are carried out by pulmonologists to diagnose the problem: 
• Blood tests
• Bronchoscopy - A tube with a camera at the tip passed inside to have a closer look at lung and airways
• X-Rays 
• CT scan
• Spirometry - The test that measures the breath inhaled and exhaled. 

The above-mentioned symptoms are the first signs indicative of issues concerned with the respiratory tract, such as lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, etc...What can start off as a minor cold can turn into a nagging infection with persistent cough and lead to a life-threatening situation.

As the saying goes “Every breath, every minute is a gift from our lungs,” which very well explains how important it is to have a healthy lung which will determine the overall health. The most common underlying reasons for lung dysfunction include smoking, genetics, and infection. Lungs are a complex apparatus, that is continuously expanding to accommodate oxygen and expelling carbon dioxide. Therefore, a lung disease can pave the way to major health issues in the overall system.

Hence, it is advised, not to neglect any early warning signs indicative of lung disease, and to seek pulmonologists’ help at the earliest before it turns into a life-threatening situation.