Who are Pulmonologists?

Pulmonologists are the medical professionals who are specialized in examining, diagnosing, and treating medical conditions and diseases related to the respiratory system. They deal with diseases like asthma, lung cancer, pneumonia, pleural effusion, and emphysema, etc.

What are the qualifications of Pulmonologist?

A 5-year medical degree [MBBS] that is recognized by the General Medical Council and a 2-year foundation course of general training are the basic requirements for an individual to be a doctor. However, following are the specialties or extra qualifications required to be a Pulmonologist:

• MD - Respiratory Medicine
• CCT - Respiratory Medicine
• MD - Tuberculosis & Respiratory Diseases/Medicine
• DNB - Respiratory Medicine
• Diploma in Tuberculosis Diseases (TDD)
• Diploma in Chest Diseases (D.C.D)
• DNB - Respiratory Diseases
• Diplomate in Pulmonary Diseases (American Board of Internal Medicine)
• MRCP (UK)
• Higher specialty training in Respiratory Medicine (as SpR), UK
• Diploma in Tuberculosis and Chest Diseases (DTCD)
• DM - Pulmonary Medicine & Critical Care Medicine
• MD - TB & Chest
• MD - Tuberculosis & Respiratory Diseases / Pulmonary Medicine
• FCCP - Pulmonary Medicine
• MD - Pulmonary Medicine
• DNB - Pulmonary Medicine
• DM - Pulmonary Medicine

How often should I visit Pulmonologist?

Healthy individuals can consult a Pulmonologist once a year to check the health condition of his/her respiratory system. However, if an individual suffers from diseases or medical conditions related to the respiratory system, then he/she must visit Pulmonlogist as recommended to get treated and cured.

Why should an individual consult a Pulmonologist?

Individuals who are suffering from following medical conditions and diseases should consult a Pulmonologist.

• Asthma
• Bronchitis
• Bronchiectasis
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD]
• Emphysema
• Asbestosis
• Pneumonitis
• Silicosis
• Sarcoidosis
• Pulmonary fibrosis

Apart from these, there are many other diseases related to the respiratory system.

Can bronchitis get treated by Pulmonologist?

Tubes that carry air to and from lungs are bronchial tubes and inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes is bronchitis. So, individuals suffering from bronchitis can be diagnosed and treat by experienced Pulmonologists.

Can Pulmonologist treat pneumonia?

Yes, Pulmonologist can treat pneumonia with an appropriate treatment course and lifestyle modifications. Mild symptomatic pneumonia can be treated by a General Physician and if the symptoms last more than the usual period, one should consult a Pulmonologist. 

Can Pulmonologist cure lung cancer?

Pulmonologists can evaluate, diagnose, and perform tests along with biopsies to treat the patients who are suffering from diseases related to lung. However, if an individual is suffering from lung cancer, one can consult a Pulmonologist to get treated. In severe lung cancer, one can be referred to an Oncologist.

What surgeries can be performed by a Pulmonologist?

Mostly, Pulmonologists perform a few diagnostic procedures like endoscopy, biopsy, and other radiographic techniques to evaluate and diagnose the medical condition of the patient related to the respiratory system. Pulmonologists won’t perform any major surgeries to treat and cure lung diseases.