Pulmonology

Key Areas of Focus:

Pulmonology is the medical specialty dedicated to the diagnosis, treatment, and management of respiratory system diseases and conditions. A doctor specializing in this field is called a pulmonologist, also known as a lung doctor or chest doctor. They focus on the lungs, airways, and related structures, treating a wide range of issues like asthma, COPD, pneumonia, tuberculosis, and sleep apnea.

What a Pulmonologist Treats?

• Asthma: A chronic inflammatory disease of the airways.
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Often caused by smoking, leading to breathing difficulties.
• Pneumonia: An infection of the lungs.
• Tuberculosis (TB): A chronic bacterial disease affecting the lungs.
• Sleep Apnea: A sleep disorder where breathing is interrupted.
• Pulmonary Fibrosis: Scarring of lung tissue that hinders breathing.
• Pulmonary Hypertension: High blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs.

Common Diseases Treated in Pulmonology:

• Asthma – Chronic airway inflammation causing wheezing and breathlessness
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) – Emphysema, chronic bronchitis leading to airflow obstruction
• Pneumonia and other lung infections
• Pneumonia – Infection of the lung tissue
• Pulmonary Tuberculosis (TB) – Bacterial infection primarily affecting the lungs
• Pulmonary Fibrosis – Scarring of lung tissue causing difficulty in breathing
• Lung Cancer – Malignant growth in the lungs
• Sleep Apnea – Breathing stops during sleep
• Pulmonary Hypertension – High blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs
• Bronchiectasis – Permanent dilation of bronchi due to infection or inflammation

1. Diagnostic Tools:

• Pulmonary function tests (PFTs)
• Chest X-ray, CT scan, MRI
• Bronchoscopy
• Sleep studies (polysomnography)
• Arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis

2. Treatments & Interventions:

• Medications (inhalers, antibiotics, steroids, bronchodilators)
• Oxygen therapy
• Pulmonary rehabilitation
• Interventional pulmonology (thoracoscopy, stent placement, pleural procedures)
• Surgery (in collaboration with thoracic surgeons, when needed)

3. Sedation (Conscious Sedation / Twilight Anaesthesia):

• Patient is relaxed and drowsy, but not fully unconscious.
• Often combined with local anaesthesia.

Role of a Pulmonologist:

Pulmonologists work closely with other specialists such as cardiologists, oncologists, allergists, and critical care physicians, especially in cases of ICU and ventilator management.

In short: Pulmonology deals with keeping your lungs and breathing system healthy, managing both common respiratory issues like asthma and complex conditions like lung cancer or interstitial lung disease