A cough that won’t go away? Or having trouble breathing? Do you have a sore throat that keeps coming back with phlegm that causes difficulty in sleeping? It’s time you get an appointment with a pulmonologist. Find a pulmonary doctor in Riverview, USA.
Who Is A Pulmonologist?
A pulmonologist is a doctor who has expertise in lung diseases. More often than not, pulmonologists are referred to as lung or chest doctors. They are experts in identifying infections in the lungs. In addition, they treat throat and airway infections.
What Is The Difference Between A Cardiologist And A Pulmonologist?
The area of expertise is what makes a difference. A heart specialist is a cardiologist, while a specialist in the lungs is a pulmonologist. But because they are interconnected, your heart and lungs function best when they are both in good shape. Since both the heart and the lungs are affected by diseases like pulmonary hypertension, you may need to see both medical professionals simultaneously.
How To Become A Pulmonologist?
To become a pulmonologist, the student must get a bachelor’s degree and then receive admission into a medical school by passing the Medical College Admissions Test. A degree in medicine usually takes four years to complete.
A branch of internal medicine is pulmonary medicine. To become a pulmonologist, one must complete a three-year internal medicine residency program and a two-year fellowship in pulmonary disease. The American Board of Internal Medicine offers these certifications.
Moreover, you must complete a three-year fellowship in critical care and pulmonary disease to become a board-certified specialist in both fields. The American Board of Internal Medicine awards certification in each area. Serious illnesses are addressed in hospital intensive care units as part of critical care. Healthcare providers who are experts in this field must have complete knowledge about the diseases they’re treating, the medical devices they’re using to treat them, estimating the prognosis (outlook) of the disease, and end-of-life decisions.
What Diseases Does A Pulmonologist Treat?
Lung infections may include inflammation of the lining of the lungs or tissue overgrowth. Many of these conditions would need a lifetime or even prolonged treatment regimen. Your pulmonologist may get other health professionals on board to discuss the treatment options.
Lung infections may include inflammation in the lung tissue or overgrowth. Some of the diseases associated with the lungs include
- Aspergillosis
- Asthma.
- Bronchiectasis.
- Bronchitis.
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- COVID-19.
- Cystic fibrosis.
- Emphysema.
- Interstitial lung disease.
- Lung cancer.
- Pulmonary hypertension.
- Sarcoidosis.
- Sleep apnea.
- Tuberculosis.
What Treatments Can A Pulmonologist Offer?
If you require surgery, however, your pulmonologist might collaborate with a surgeon. For instance, a lung tumor that needs removal. But pulmonologists utilize medicine and other nonsurgical therapies far more frequently. They could advise you to try breathing exercises to reduce breathlessness. If your symptoms make you anxious or depressed, they could suggest you seek professional counseling.
Moreover, your doctor can suggest medicine to widen your airways if you have COPD. Additionally, she may prescribe medications to thin the mucus in your lungs. But in addition to these measures, the doctor might advise oxygen supplementation and breathing exercises.
Your pulmonologist may collaborate with you to create the optimum treatment strategy, regardless of your diagnosis.
5 Signs You Should See A Pulmonologist
These signs and symptoms should alert you to see a Pulmonologist as soon as possible.
- A Cough That Has Lasted For Months
Any respiratory issues, including bacterial, fungal, or viral infections, may start with a cough. Lung cancer symptoms might also include a persistent cough.
However, a skilled pulmonologist can quickly diagnose your condition and put you on the road to recovery. The sooner you get the cough under control, the better for your general well-being.
- Mild Physical Activity Leaves You Breathless
It could be a sign of a lung problem if you notice that you get out of breath more frequently than before or even when performing everyday tasks. This symptom could be a sign of cancer, congestive heart failure, asthma, pneumonia, allergies, bronchitis, arrhythmia, low oxygen levels, or asthma.
Most importantly, a pulmonary physician will examine your symptoms and medical background before making recommendations. He may prescribe medication to help you resume normal breathing. The doctor may also request that you undergo imaging testing so they can examine your lungs.
- You Are A Chronic Smoker
Smoking causes your lungs to gradually change from a healthy pink color to a dark grey color. The air sacs in the lungs, called alveoli, which are responsible for exchanging carbon dioxide for fresh oxygen, become damaged by smoking. Emphysema, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), chronic bronchitis, and lung cancer can all result from the loss of these air sacs.
Up to 90% of occurrences of lung cancer are related to smoking. Every smoker needs a pulmonary physician who will regularly monitor their lung health.
- You Have Asthma
Constricted airways cause asthma, making it challenging to breathe. Wheezing, coughing, or tightness in the chest are possible symptoms, especially if you’re working out.
You need to work with a skilled pulmonologist who can help you keep your asthma under control. However, if your asthma starts getting worse or is occasionally severe, consult your pulmonologist immediately.
- You Have Trouble Breathing Along With Swelling In Your Legs And Feet
If you experience shortness of breath or other breathing issues coupled with swelling in your ankle, leg, or foot, consult a lung expert immediately. These symptoms indicate pulmonary edema and pulmonary hypertension, which is increased blood pressure in the lung arteries.
What Should You Expect When You Visit A Pulmonologist?
When you visit a pulmonologist for the first time, prepare to fill out a medical history form and undergo a physical examination. You can discuss your reasons for the visit and detail your symptoms with your healthcare professional. Moreover, you can bring paper and a pen along to take notes of any questions your healthcare practitioner addresses and record information like how long your symptoms have been present.
Furthermore, your Pulmonologist might request some tests like
- Bronchoscopy
- Spirometry
- Sleep Study
- Pulmonary Function Tests
- Blood Tests
Most importantly, keep visiting your pulmonologist on time and according to advice if you suffer from a condition that requires long-term management. These tests might need to be repeated in the future so your doctor can assess how well your treatment is working.
A Note From Lung and sleep center in Oakland County
One should be aware of how vital breathing is. People usually avoid doctor’s appointments unless a small irritation becomes a worst-case scenario. You can begin with a mildly irritating problem, such as a persistent cough. However, it’s typically advisable to have things evaluated, particularly if your doctor recommends a pulmonologist. A pulmonologist can assist you in various ways and will collaborate with other medical professionals to ensure you receive the best care possible.
Require pulmonary assistance for your lung disease? Get your appointment with a pulmonary doctor in Riverview, USA.
