A pulmonologist is a skilled medical professional specializing in the diseases of the chest and respiratory system namely the lungs, larynx, pharynx, bronchi, trachea, bronchioles as well as lung tissue.

A pulmonologist can treat several problems such as allergies, cough, bronchitis, tuberculosis asthma, chronic obstructive lung diseases and lung cancer.

One needs to visit a pulmonologist in cases of prolonged cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, blood in sputum or even hoarseness of voice. Any worsening symptom or symptom that persists longer than 2 weeks should be fixed by seeing a pulmonologist.

Pulmonologists order tests such as Chest Xray, Lung function tests, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, CT Scans, MRI or other specific investigations to arrive at a diagnosis.

Pulmonologists are trained in pulmonology which is a branch of internal medicine. Chest surgeons are surgically trained to open the chest and operate on the lungs and associated tissues.