Pulmonology is a specialized branch of medicine that focuses on the respiratory system, including the lungs and airways. Pulmonologists diagnose and treat conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, pulmonary fibrosis, tuberculosis, lung cancer, and sleep apnea.
The field involves various diagnostic procedures like chest X-rays, CT scans, spirometry (lung function tests), bronchoscopy, and arterial blood gas analysis to assess lung function and identify abnormalities. Treatment options include inhalers, bronchodilators, corticosteroids, antibiotics, oxygen therapy, and advanced interventions like mechanical ventilation or surgical procedures in severe cases.
Recent advances in pulmonology include the development of targeted therapies for lung cancer, innovative ventilator technologies, and minimally invasive procedures such as endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) for diagnosis and staging of lung diseases. The management of sleep-related breathing disorders has also seen significant improvements with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy.
Pulmonologists play a vital role in managing chronic respiratory diseases, especially as respiratory illnesses become more prominent globally due to environmental factors and smoking. They work closely with primary care providers, thoracic surgeons, and critical care teams to enhance patient care and quality of life.
