Pneumologists

Pneumologists, also known as pulmonologists or respiratory physicians in many countries, are medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the lungs and other parts of the respiratory system. The field is often referred to as pneumology in some regions. They may work in hospital departments, outpatient clinics, or academic and research settings.

Typical conditions managed include asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, tuberculosis, lung cancer, interstitial lung diseases such as pulmonary fibrosis, sarcoidosis, pleural diseases, and sleep-disordered breathing. They also handle acute respiratory failure, management of oxygen therapy, and participate in pulmonary rehabilitation programs. They may be involved in preventive care, smoking cessation counseling, and coordinating cancer care or transplantation when needed.

Key diagnostic tools include lung function testing (spirometry, body plethysmography), imaging (chest X-ray, CT), arterial blood gas analysis, and endoscopic procedures such as bronchoscopy. They interpret tests and may order specialized studies like diffusion capacity tests and cardiopulmonary exercise testing to determine disease severity. Treatments range from inhaled medications and oral therapies to advanced interventions such as bronchoscopy, lung cancer diagnosis/staging, and oxygen or ventilatory support in hospital settings.

Training typically requires a medical degree followed by internal medicine residency and a fellowship in pulmonology. Board certification is common, with possible subspecialization in interventional pulmonology, sleep medicine, pediatric pulmonology, or transplant pulmonology. The field emphasizes collaboration with thoracic surgeons, oncologists, allergists, radiologists, respiratory therapists, and critical care teams.

Terminology varies by region; some places use pneumologist or pneumology, but the core role remains the same: expert care for disorders of the lungs and respiratory system.