Pulmonology is a branch of internal medicine dealing with the study of the respiratory system –the lungs and airways. The lungs are vital organs responsible for taking oxygen into the body and eliminating carbon dioxide from the body, which is a process essential for sustaining life.
Pulmonologists or lung disease specialists deal with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of various lung and lower respiratory tract diseases. A pulmonologist’s field of expertise covers a wide range of conditions, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, pneumonia, lung cancer, pulmonary embolism, cystic fibrosis, bronchitis, and other numerous respiratory diseases.
One of the most common reasons for visiting a pulmonologist is asthma, a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways that can cause periodic attacks of choking, coughing, wheezing in the chest, and difficulty breathing. Pulmonologists use a variety of therapeutic approaches to treat asthma, including inhalers and oral medications to reduce symptoms and improve the patient’s quality of life.
Lung cancer is also an important challenge in the field of pulmonology, as it is one of theleading global causes of cancer mortality. Early screening, prevention (including smoking cessation), as well as advanced treatment options such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy, are key to fighting this disease.
Pulmonologists also help patients with chronic conditions such as COPD and cystic fibrosis, which can seriously affect a patient’s quality of life. Pulmonologists provide crucial elements in the treatment process – education on the disease, symptom management, and support for patients and their families.
In addition to all the above, pulmonologists often deal with the diagnosis and treatment of acute respiratory infections, such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and the flu. Prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment of these conditions are key to the prevention of complications and patient recovery.
Pulmonologists perform a variety of examinations and tests to diagnose, evaluate, and monitor respiratory diseases and disorders. The following are some typical examinations that a pulmonologist may perform:
Physical examination: The pulmonologist performs a general physical examination of the patient, including an examination of the lungs, chest, and breathing. This involves auscultation of the lungs with a stethoscope to detect breathing irregularities, such as wheezing or friction rub.
Spirometry: Spirometry is a test that measures how much air a patient can inhale and exhale as well as the rate and volume of breathing. This test helps in the diagnosis of asthma, COPD, and other pulmonary diseases, as well as in the monitoring of the development of these diseases.
Bronchoscopy: Bronchoscopy is a procedure that allows a pulmonologist to examine the inside of the airways using a flexible instrument called a bronchoscope. This procedure is often used to diagnose problems such as tumors, infections, or narrowing of the airways.
Chest X-ray: An X-ray is one of the most common diagnostic examinations used to evaluate lung problems, including pneumonia, lung cancer, COPD, and other conditions.
Computed tomography (CT) scan: A lung CTscanis a more advanced radiological examination that allows for a more detailed image of the lungs and surrounding structures. It is useful for diagnosing and evaluating tumors, abscesses, emphysema, and other conditions.
Lung function tests: These tests include various procedures to assess different aspects of lung function, including lung capacity, residual volume, and rate of gas diffusion.
Polysomnography: This test is used to identify breathing-related sleep disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea. The patient is connected to a monitor that tracks and records various parameters during sleep, including breathing, blood oxygen level, and heart rate.
+381 65 2777011
info@mdclinic.rs
Ulica Luke Ćelovića Trebinjca 42 
