Your doctor might suggest seeing a pulmonologist if you frequently have shortness of breath or another lung ailment. A pulmonologist is a doctor who specializes in treating lung conditions and diseases of the respiratory system. To take the best care of your lungs, you can visit a lung specialist in Mumbai. Here are some details to help you learn further about how a pulmonologist works and what it could be like to consult with one to manage your medical requirements.
How Does One Become a Pulmonologist?
A pulmonologist is a specialist who, after completing a 5-year medical degree, follows it up with a specializing in pulmonology that takes around 2-3 years to complete
What diseases are treated by pulmonologists?
The respiratory system, mainly the lungs, is treated by pulmonologists. Inflammation, tissue expansion, and infections are a few of the things that might cause these disorders. On treatment strategies, your pulmonologist will collaborate with your primary care physician and sometimes other medical professionals.
The following, but not alone, are a few conditions that lung specialists in Mumbai cure or treat:
- Asthma.
- Bronchiectasis, a disorder marked by swelling and an abundance of mucus.
- Acute and chronic bronchitis are brought on by an irritated lower respiratory tract.
- Emphysema, also known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is brought on by injured alveoli in the lung.
- Infections of the interstitial lungs are characterized by ongoing irritation and scarring.
- Inhaling dust, toxins, or viruses can cause occupational lung diseases.
- Tuberculosis, a viral disease that mainly affects the lungs, which makes breathing slow down or stop completely while you’re asleep.
When to See a Pulmonologist?
If you experience any unexpected or concerning respiratory issues, talk to your doctor. They’ll examine you medically and determine how you’re doing overall. If any of the below happens, you should visit a pulmonologist:
- Breathing difficulties
- Wheezing
- Have a chronic cough
- Recurring blood or smoky mucus cough
- Having lost weight rapidly
- Exercise is challenging because of breathing issues
What can you expect from your appointment with a pulmonologist?
When you visit a pulmonologist for the first time, you should be prepared to fill out a medical background form and undergo a physical examination. You can discuss the reasons you’re there and your problems with your healthcare professional during this time. Your healthcare physician could conduct a few tests to aid in diagnosis and therapy. These could consist of:
- Blood examination.
- Imaging procedures such as computerized tomography (CT) scans or breast X-rays.
- Testing for pulmonary function.
- Spirometry.
- Bronchoscopy.
- Sleep research.
You may require multiple consultations with your pulmonologist if you do have a condition that requires long-term treatment. These tests might need to be repeated in the future so your doctor can assess how well your medication is working.
How do pulmonologists identify disorders of the lungs?
To make a diagnosis about the lungs, pulmonologists use and understand the results of examinations and tests. They may conduct the following tests:
- CT scan to obtain precise pictures of your chest’s bones, tendons, fat, lungs, and blood arteries.
- Using ultrasonography, the organs and other lung structures are examined.
- A respiratory test called a pulmonary function test can be used to determine how effectively your lungs are working.
- Perform a pulse oximetry test to ascertain your blood’s oxygen content level.
- Bronchoscopy to inspect your airway and check for problems with your windpipe, lower airways, neck, or larynx.
What types of procedures are performed by pulmonologists?
The surgeries done by a lung specialist in Mumbai include:
- The removal of air or fluid by thoracentesis from the area surrounding the lungs.
- Placing a tracheal or bronchial tube to help widen spaces like the throat or bronchi.
A pulmonologist may suggest you consult a chest surgeon if you have more severe lung problems and diseases. A chest surgeon may perform a lobectomy or lung transplant if required.
Where can you locate a pulmonologist?
If you think you need to visit a pulmonologist, request a referral from your primary care doctor. You may consult online doctor recommendations if needed to focus your search and find the pulmonologist who is the best fit for you.
Conclusion
Although you may not consider it until you experience a condition that prevents you from breathing normally, you are aware of how vital breathing is. It may start with a problem that is merely irritating, such as a persistent cough. However, it’s typically advisable to have things evaluated, particularly if your doctor recommends a pulmonologist. A lung specialist in Mumbai can assist you in several ways and will collaborate with the other medical professionals on your medical team to ensure that you receive the best care that is possible.
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