“Pulmonology, a subspecialty of Internal Medicine, focuses on the respiratory tract’s health, particularly the lower airway, lungs, breathing control, and their impact on blood oxygenation.

The term ‘Pulmonology’ derives from Latin, where ‘pulmo’ signifies lungs and ‘logos’ means study, essentially making it the study of lungs. In some regions, it may be known as chest medicine or respiratory medicine, addressing a variety of respiratory conditions and lung disorders.

The respiratory system encompasses:

– Mouth and nose
– Sinuses
– Throat (pharynx)
– Voice box (larynx)
– Windpipe (trachea)
– Bronchial tubes
– Lungs, including bronchioles and alveoli
– Diaphragm

Mild, short-lived lung illnesses like the flu or cough can often be managed through primary care. However, if symptoms like shortness of breath, cough, pneumonia, or others persist, consulting a specialist is crucial. A medical professional specializing in lung health is referred to as a pulmonologist and is responsible for treating lung diseases.

Pulmonologists collaborate closely with Bariatric Surgeons and Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialists. They are experts in addressing breathing issues caused by allergies, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, snoring, and more.

Pulmonology is also known by various names such as Respiratory Medicine, Thoracic Medicine, Chest Medicine, and Respirology. It exhibits substantial overlap with Critical Care, and the sub-speciality draws from Anesthesia and Internal Medicine to form its core competencies.

A pulmonologist, a specialized physician in pulmonology, plays a vital role in the diagnosis and treatment of lung-related conditions and diseases, ensuring your respiratory well-being.”

Why Sidarth Hospitals?

Once the pulmonologist has an accurate diagnosis, a treatment plan based on the condition will be created. Sidarth Hospitals is the best hospital for lung treatment in India, includes treatment plans that will consist of medications, therapies and pulmonary rehabilitation programs to help you get back to your normal life.

As lung diseases can be severe and debilitating, a pulmonologist will also work with your family and healthcare team to deliver long-term care. Sidarth Hospitals will also be able to modify your treatment plans to work with your situation and coordinate your care with other team members, respiratory therapists, pulmonary rehab programs and support groups.

**Pulmonology: Common Respiratory Conditions and Their Causes**

Pulmonology is the specialized field of medicine dedicated to diagnosing and treating a wide range of diseases affecting the respiratory system, encompassing the nose, mouth, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, alveoli, lungs, and respiratory muscles. This medical discipline focuses on disorders that impact the lungs, airways, and respiratory muscles. Here are some prevalent respiratory conditions addressed by pulmonologists:

**1. Asthma:** Asthma is a chronic health condition characterized by symptoms like breathlessness, coughing, chest tightness, and wheezing (which produces a distinctive whistling sound). It can manifest as sudden, brief attacks or persist as a chronic condition over an extended period. Allergies, such as those triggered by dust, pollen, smoke, or pet dander, can contribute to asthma. Other factors that can worsen symptoms include physical exertion, cold weather, allergic reactions to medications, smoking, obesity, or a family history of asthma. Asthma leads to airway inflammation and constriction, resulting in mucus production and coughing spells. In severe cases, airways may become completely obstructed, necessitating immediate medical attention. Asthma can be effectively managed through symptom-specific treatment and holistic care plans.

**2. Interstitial Lung Disease:** This condition affects the alveoli, tiny sacs within the lungs, leading to inflammation and scarring, resulting in a persistent dry cough and breathing difficulties, even at rest. Interstitial lung disease encompasses nearly 200 different conditions, some of the notable ones being:

– Asbestosis
– Chronic silicosis
– Bronchiolitis obliterans
– Sarcoidosis
– Pulmonary fibrosis

Certain interstitial lung diseases are autoimmune disorders wherein the immune system mistakenly attacks the lungs. Typically, exposure to chemicals, coal dust, animal proteins, tobacco smoke, among other factors, contributes to these diseases.

**3. COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease):** COPD is a lung ailment that obstructs airflow within the lungs, with smoking representing a primary cause. Exposure to wood smoke can also lead to COPD. Symptoms include breathlessness, wheezing, chest tightness, excess lung mucus, fatigue, bluish discoloration of the lips or fingernails, and swollen legs. Two common conditions associated with COPD are chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Chronic bronchitis involves inflammation and constriction of bronchial tubes, leading to excessive mucus production. Emphysema, on the other hand, damages the alveoli and can collapse airways, resulting in compromised lung function.

**4. Pneumonia:** Pneumonia is a lung infection characterized by inflammation of the air sacs. It presents with symptoms such as coughing with blood-tinged mucus, fever, and severe breathing difficulties. Bacterial infections are common culprits behind pneumonia, although viruses can also be responsible. An impaired immune system can exacerbate symptoms, and prompt treatment is essential to prevent potentially fatal outcomes. Pneumonia causes fluid accumulation in the lungs, leading to breathing challenges.

In sum, pulmonologists specialize in diagnosing and treating these and other respiratory conditions, offering expert care to patients to ensure optimal respiratory health and well-being.