Overview
Pulmonology is a branch of medicine that focuses on the lungs, airways, and breathing. It includes conditions affecting the nose-to-lung air passages, the lung tissue itself, and how the body takes in oxygen and removes carbon dioxide. Pulmonologists may also help care for people with critical breathing problems, depending on the healthcare system.
Key Symptoms
People may be referred to pulmonology for shortness of breath, a cough that does not go away, wheezing, chest tightness, coughing up blood, or repeated chest infections. Other symptoms can include noisy breathing, low oxygen levels, snoring with pauses in breathing during sleep, or trouble exercising because of breathing problems. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may come on suddenly or develop over time.
Causes and Risk Factors
Lung and breathing problems can be caused by infections, allergies, tobacco smoke, air pollution, workplace dust or chemicals, autoimmune disease, and genetic conditions. Risk may also rise with older age, secondhand smoke exposure, obesity, a weak immune system, or a history of lung disease. In some cases, breathing symptoms are linked to heart disease or other medical conditions, so careful assessment is important.
Who Is Affected
Pulmonary conditions can affect people of all ages, from infants to older adults. Some problems, such as asthma, may begin in childhood, while others become more common later in life, such as chronic lung disease or lung cancer. People exposed to smoke, indoor cooking fumes, infections, or hazardous work environments may have higher risk in many parts of the world.
Prevention
Not all lung disease can be prevented, but risk can often be lowered. Avoiding tobacco smoke, reducing exposure to polluted air and workplace hazards, keeping vaccinations up to date, and treating respiratory infections early may help protect lung health. Good hand hygiene and following local public health guidance can also reduce the spread of some lung infections.
Diagnosis and Tests
Pulmonologists use a person’s symptoms, medical history, physical examination, and test results to understand breathing problems. Tests may include spirometry and other lung function tests, pulse oximetry, chest X-ray, CT scan, sleep studies, blood tests, or procedures such as bronchoscopy. The exact tests depend on the symptoms and the condition being considered.
Treatment Categories
Treatment depends on the cause of the breathing problem. Care may include inhaled medicines, oxygen therapy, pulmonary rehabilitation, airway support during sleep, treatment for infections, procedures to remove fluid or look inside the airways, or referral for surgery or cancer care when needed. Many pulmonary conditions also require ongoing monitoring and follow-up.
When to Seek Medical Care
Medical care is important for breathing symptoms that are new, worsening, or interfering with daily activities. Seek evaluation for a cough lasting weeks, repeated chest infections, wheezing, unexplained fatigue, chest discomfort with breathing, or sleep-related breathing concerns. Coughing up blood or unexplained weight loss also needs prompt medical attention.
When It May Be an Emergency
Emergency care may be needed for severe shortness of breath, blue or gray lips, confusion, inability to speak in full sentences, chest pain, severe wheezing, or signs of very low oxygen. Urgent assessment is also important if someone is choking, coughing up a significant amount of blood, or rapidly getting worse during an infection or asthma attack. If emergency services are available in your area, contact them right away.