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

What are the subspecialties of Pulmonology?

The subspecialties of Pulmonology include:

• Interstitial lung diseases
• Interventional pulmonology
• Lung transplantation
• Neuromuscular diseases
• Obstructive lung diseases
• Sleep-disordered breathing

What are the conditions treated by a Pulmonologist?

Following are the few out of many conditions treated by a Pulmonologist:

• Asthma
• Bronchiectasis
• Bronchitis
• COPD - compulsive obsessive disorder
• EmphysemaInterstitial lung diseases
• Obstructive sleep apnea

What are the procedures done by a Pulmonologist?

Following are the procedures done by a Pulmonologist to diagnose a pulmonological condition:

• CT scans
• Chest fluoroscopy
• Chest ultrasound
• Pleural biopsy
• Pulmonary function test
• Pulse oximetry test
• Thoracentesis
• Bronchoscopy
• Sleep study

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 treated by experienced Pulmonologists.

Can Pulmonologists treat pneumonia?

Yes, Pulmonologists 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. 

What are the symptoms indicating a pulmonary disease?

One should consult a Pulmonologist if he/she is having any of the following symptoms:

• Breathing difficulty
• Persistent cough
• Coughing up blood or mucus regularly
• Smoke
• Unexplained weight loss
• Trouble exercising due to breathing difficulty