Our Guide to Pulmonology & Respiratory Illness Diagnosis

Our respiratory system consists of many organs, such as lungs, airways, and respiratory muscles. A pulmonologist is a healthcare professional who takes care of the health of the respiratory system. Pulmonology is also known as chest medicine. Healthcare professionals who specialize in pulmonology are experts at diagnosing, treating, and preventing pulmonological diseases. 

What does a Pulmonologist do?

Pulmonologists work independently or as part of a team to diagnose and treat conditions such as

• Asthma – It is a respiratory disorder that causes wheezing, shortness of breath, uncontrolled coughing, and tightness in the chest.
• Bronchiectasis – Damage to the bronchial airways causes this condition.
• Bronchitis – A condition that causes inflammation of the airways due to infection.
• COPD – Also known as chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, it is a group of diseases that cause inflammation in the lungs.
• Cystic Fibrosis – A fatal disorder that increases the production of mucus in the lungs and digestive tract. 
• Lung Cancer – Includes different types of lung cancers such as NSCLC and SCLC
• Occupational Lung diseases – Lung diseases caused by exposure to certain types of particles and pollution such as silicosis, asbestosis, etc.
• Pneumonia – An infection that causes air sacs to be filled with fluid or pus.
• Pulmonary Hypertension – High blood pressure due to blocked arteries in the lungs.

Apart from these diseases, they also diagnose and treat a number of other lung diseases such as tuberculosis, sleep apnea, sarcoidosis, etc. 

What diagnostic tests does a Pulmonologist perform?

The doctors prescribe a number of procedures to diagnose respiratory diseases. The diagnostic procedures are a combination of knowing family history, conducting a physical examination, lab tests, imaging techniques, tests to measure the respiratory function, and exploratory surgery.

Some of the diagnostic tests prescribed by a pulmonologist are as follows. 

• Breathing Tests or Pulmonary Function Tests 

These tests measure the lung capacity, airflow, lung volume, oxygen saturation, rate of exchange of gases, etc. There are different types of breathing tests, such as spirometry and pulse oximetry.

• Imaging Techniques 

Imaging tests help the pulmonologists to observe the condition of the lungs, their shape, size, etc. They help to diagnose any abnormalities as the doctor can view the inside of the lungs through imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scan, chest fluoroscopy, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), and ultrasonography. Nuclear scanning is an advanced imaging test that uses radioactive tracing materials to detect lung cancers.

• Bronchoscopy

This test helps the specialist to have a clear view of the internal airways through a device inserted into the trachea. 

• Biopsy

A small tissue from the airways or the lungs is collected to conduct further studies. The process of collecting samples for a biopsy is minimally invasive and does not cause much pain. 

The pulmonologist may order other diagnostic procedures such as fluoroscopy, thoracentesis, cardiopulmonary exercise testing, etc. depending on how severe the symptoms are, and the condition of the patient. These tests help the specialists to diagnose the symptoms clearly and pinpoint the exact disease.

What are the symptoms of respiratory disorders?

The symptoms of patients suffering from respiratory disorders vary depending on the type of the disease. However, some common symptoms that indicate respiratory disorders are as follows. 

• Prolonged and continuous cough (with or without mucus)
• Wheezing 
• Shortness of breath
• Swelling in fingers and toes
• Pain in throat, sore throat
• Change in voice
• Uneasiness in chest
• Spitting blood with cough

If you or your loved ones exhibit any of the above symptoms, it is time to book an appointment with the best in your city. 

What are the causes of Respiratory disorders?

According to leading experts, the main causes of respiratory disorders are as follows. 

• Low level of immunity which exposes you to infections
• Some autoimmune disorders, which cause the immune system to go haywire
• More than permissible levels of air pollution
• Smoking
• Exposure to certain types of elements as part of an occupation
• Some types of fungal, viral, and bacterial infections
• Genetic disorders
• Congenital abnormalities

How can I find the best pulmonologist near me?

Most patients find the task of finding a pulmonologist to be challenging. Most people are not aware of how to search for and choose the best specialist in their neighborhood. The following tips will help you choose the right pulmonologist.

• Ask your family doctor to refer to a specialist. Physicians work closely with other specialists and can recommend the best specialist to treat your condition.
• You can also speak to your friends, colleagues, and neighbors for references.
• Search in the directories and local newspapers for hospitals and clinics of chest specialists.
• Shortlist a few hospitals and request an initial appointment.
• Visit the hospital and know about the qualifications and certifications of the pulmonologists working there.
• Pay close attention to the facilities and amenities provided at the hospital.
• Check whether the doctor has experience in treating patients who have similar problems as yours.
• Check the fees charged, insurance coverage, and payment options.