Overview
Pulmonology is a branch of internal medicine focused on diagnosing and treating diseases affecting the respiratory system. This specialty addresses conditions involving the lungs, lower airways, breathing regulation, and their role in maintaining proper blood oxygen levels.
Symptoms
- Shortness of breath, especially during physical activities.
- Wheezing.
- Chest tightness.
- A chronic cough that may produce mucus (sputum) that may be clear, white, yellow or greenish.
- Frequent respiratory infections.
- Lack of energy.
- Unintended weight loss (in later stages)
- Swelling in ankles, feet or legs.
Types of Diseases treated by Pulmonologist
- Asthma.
- Collapse of part or all of the lung (pneumothorax or atelectasis)
- Swelling and inflammation in the main passages (bronchial tubes) that carry air to the lungs (bronchitis)
- COPD.
- Lung cancer.
- Lung infection (pneumonia)
- Abnormal buildup of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema)