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Pulmonology
Pulmonology is a field of medicine that focuses specifically on diagnosing and treating disorders of the respiratory system.
Subspecialties of pulmonology include:
• Interstitial lung disease, which focuses on lung diseases marked by persistent inflammation and scarring.
• Interventional pulmonology, which employs multidisciplinary care to treat airway disorders, lung cancer, and pleural diseases.
• lung transplantation, management before and after surgery.
• Neuromuscular disease, which refers to conditions that occur due to respiratory muscle failure.
• Obstructive lung disease, which involves airway narrowing or obstruction.
• Sleep-disordered breathing.
When should you see a pulmonologist?
If you’re having any unusual symptoms, you should meet with your primary care doctor. They will perform a medical exam and assess your overall condition.
They may refer you to a pulmonologist if you:
• Have difficulty breathing. • Have a persistent cough. • Regularly cough up blood or mucus. • Smoke. • Have unexplained weight loss. • Have trouble exercising due to breathing problems.