What is Pulmonology? 🫁⚕️
Pulmonology is the medical specialty focused on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and conditions affecting the respiratory system, which includes the lungs, airways, and other structures involved in breathing.
What Does a Pulmonologist Do?
- Diagnose and manage conditions like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, tuberculosis, lung cancer, and interstitial lung diseases
- Perform procedures such as bronchoscopy (examining airways with a scope), lung function tests (spirometry), and thoracentesis (removal of fluid from around the lungs)
- Help patients with respiratory failure using mechanical ventilation
- Collaborate with other specialists for comprehensive care, especially in critical care settings
Common Conditions in Pulmonology
- Asthma: Chronic inflammation causing airway narrowing and difficulty breathing
- COPD: Progressive lung diseases, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis, usually linked to smoking
- Pneumonia: Infection causing inflammation of the lung tissue
- Pulmonary Fibrosis: Scarring of lung tissue causing reduced oxygen exchange
- Pulmonary Embolism: Blood clot blocking lung arteries
- Sleep Apnea: Interrupted breathing during sleep
Diagnostic Tools in Pulmonology
- Chest X-rays and CT scans 🖼️
- Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) to measure lung capacity and airflow
- Blood gas analysis to check oxygen and carbon dioxide levels
- Sputum analysis and cultures
- Bronchoscopy for direct visualization and biopsy
Treatment Approaches
- Medications like bronchodilators, steroids, antibiotics, and antifibrotic drugs
- Oxygen therapy for low blood oxygen
- Pulmonary rehabilitation and breathing exercises
- Lifestyle changes such as smoking cessation
- Surgery in certain cases (e.g., lung cancer or severe emphysema)