What is a Pulmonologist?

About Pulmonologists

A Pulmonologist specializes in respiratory medicine and diseases involving the respiratory tract, comprising the chest and lungs including the bronchial tubes, upper respiratory tract, and even the heart. It is a branch of Internal Medicine.

The pulmonologist begins the diagnostic process of identifying and treating illness or injury in the lungs and chest due to both internal and external causes including exposure to pollutants such as asbestos, exhaust fumes, and tobacco smoke, pulmonary fibrosis, and pulmonary hypertension. Pulmonologists listen for breath and lung sounds, called rales or rhonchi, with a stethoscope. They are also able to identify heart diseases which can have pulmonary signs.

Diseases and conditions that a Pulmonologist is specially trained in treating can include hereditary diseases such as cystic fibrosis, pneumonia, asthma, tuberculosis, emphysema, chest infections, acute respiratory conditions, chronic respiratory diseases, and disorders that may require life support and mechanical ventilation.

Treatments carried out by Pulmonologists extend from specialized procedures such as obtaining samples from the inside of the chest or lungs (transbronchial and endobronchial biopsy), spirometry (measuring lung volumes,) blood tests and other laboratory tests, taking blood gas measurements, Bronchoscopy, Chest X-rays, CT scanning, Positron emission tomography (PET) and Polysomnography (sleep study.)

Pulmonologists work in conjunction with a number of other medical professionals including providing combined treatment with the expertise of a Family Doctor / General Practitioner, Sleep Doctor, Emergency Medicine Specialist, Radiologist as well as Cardiothoracic Surgeon.

Useful Resources

Canada

Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada

British Columbia

Alberta

Saskatchewan

Manitoba

Ontario

Quebec

Newfoundland and Labrador

New Brunswick