There is such a section in medicine - pulmonology, and it is engaged in the study of pathologies of the respiratory system. This young industry became separate relatively recently, in the second half of the 20th century. This was due to the increasing number of cases of bronchopulmonary diseases. In addition, the knowledge of doctors in this area has significantly increased, and it became clear that the direction is very extensive and requires the involvement of narrower specialists.
Moreover, many patients with diseases of the respiratory system have severe diagnoses, in which complications are not uncommon and a significant deterioration in he alth and quality of life. After all, as you know, breathing is the most important physiological process, without which you can live only a few minutes.
So a new speci alty of a doctor appeared - a pulmonologist. Who is this, let's take a closer look. In fact, this is a therapist who diagnoses, prevents and conservatively treats respiratory diseases. If surgery is required, a thoracic surgeon is required.
What pathologies does a pulmonologist treat
This is a very large list of diseases, among which there may be colds:rhinitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis, tonsillitis, tracheitis, bronchitis, pneumonia. But mostly these are more severe diagnoses:
- bronchial asthma;
- protracted pneumonia;
- obstructive pulmonary disease;
- smoker's bronchitis;
- pleurisy, including malignant;
- fibrosing alveolitis;
- fevers of unknown origin;
- bronchiectasis;
- chronic respiratory failure;
- emphysema;
- sarcoidosis;
- pulmonary fibrosis;
- lung infarction;
- silicosis;
- hemothorax.
When you need to contact this specialist
Pulmonologist - who is it?
The doctor to contact if you have the following signs of bronchopulmonary diseases:
- Cough, dry or wet, with general weakness, fever, chills and sweating.
- There is a lot of pus in the sputum.
- Feeling out of breath and feeling suffocated.
- Shortness of breath with difficulty exhaling.
- Chest pain when breathing.
- Sputum contains blood.
- Feeling constantly itchy.
How the diagnosis is made
A pulmonologist uses various examination methods to diagnose:
- Chest X-ray and ENT.
- Computed tomography.
- Endoscopic methods.
- Laboratory studies.
- Evaluation of the functionality of the respiratory system withusing equipment: peak flowmetry, spirography, pneumotachometry, spirometry.
Treatment methods
Pulmonologist - who is it? A doctor who treats diseases of the trachea, lungs, bronchi, pleura. Now let's see how this happens.
As a rule, these are conservative methods. This includes drug treatment: antibacterial, expectorant, bronchodilator, antitussives, as well as various inhaled drugs that can be delivered using inhalers and nebulizers. In addition, physiotherapy and breathing exercises are widely used.
Many respiratory diseases require constant treatment and prevention of exacerbations. A pulmonologist should conduct explanatory work, draw the patient's attention to possible risks. He has to constantly provide emergency assistance, for example, to stop asthma attacks.
Prevention
Pulmonologist - who is it, we found out. It remains to add that this doctor is also engaged in preventive work. Pulmonologist Top Tips:
- Stop smoking.
- Practice exercise and train the respiratory system.
- Have a good rest.
- Take x-rays regularly, even if nothing bothers you.
- Try to avoid contact with allergens.
