A lung doctor is called a pulmonologist.
Pulmonologists are medical doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating diseases and conditions of the respiratory system. This includes organs such as the lungs, trachea, bronchi, diaphragm, and chest wall. If you're experiencing breathing difficulties, persistent coughs, or other respiratory issues, a pulmonologist is the specialist you should consult.
A pulmonologist's expertise covers a wide range of respiratory conditions, including:
- Asthma: A chronic inflammatory disease of the airways.
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): A group of lung diseases that block airflow and make it difficult to breathe.
- Pneumonia: An infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs.
- Bronchitis: Inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes.
- Lung Cancer: A type of cancer that begins in the lungs.
- Cystic Fibrosis: An inherited disorder that causes severe damage to the lungs, digestive system, and other organs.
- Sleep Apnea: A sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts.
- Pulmonary Fibrosis: A lung disease that occurs when lung tissue becomes damaged and scarred.
Pulmonologists use various diagnostic tools and procedures to evaluate a patient's respiratory health, including:
- Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs): Measure lung capacity and airflow.
- Chest X-rays: Provide images of the lungs and surrounding structures.
- CT Scans: More detailed images of the lungs than X-rays.
- Bronchoscopy: A procedure in which a thin, flexible tube with a camera is inserted into the airways to visualize them.
- Sleep Studies: Monitor breathing and other bodily functions during sleep.
If you have concerns about your lung health, consult with your primary care physician, who can refer you to a qualified pulmonologist if necessary.
