Pulmonologists are the medical doctors who are specialized in diagnosing and treating medical conditions related to the respiratory system. They deal with diseases like pneumonia, chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD), emphysema, lung cancer, and asthma, etc.
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:
Yes, Pulmonologists can perform a bronchoscopy. Bronchoscopy is done for direct visualization of the tracheobronchial tree for any abnormalities. This procedure can be done in an operating room under general anesthesia. This procedure is also used to retrieve the foreign bodies in airways.
Individuals who are suffering from any of the following medical conditions or diseases should consult Pulmonologist:
Following are the few procedures performed by a Pulmonologist to diagnose a respiratory disease:
Children should visit Pulmonologists for regular checkups as they are prone to pulmonary diseases as their immune system is yet to develop completely. Most common diseases that affect children are asthma, recurrent pneumonia, cystic fibrosis, and bronchiolitis, etc.
Coughing up blood is called hemoptysis. If an individual is suffering from hemoptysis, then he/she should seek immediate medical attention. The cause of hemoptysis is confused between the blood from lung alveoli or from the intestinal tract. Hemoptysis is most commonly caused by bronchi (lung airways) infections.
Pneumonia can have symptoms that range from mild to severe. Following are some of the common signs and symptoms: