Pulmonologie

Pulmonology, also known as pneumology, is a medical specialty that focuses on diseases of the respiratory system, including the lungs, airways, pleura, and chest wall. Pulmonologists diagnose, treat, and prevent acute and chronic conditions that affect respiration. The field overlaps with critical care, thoracic surgery, allergy/immunology, and sleep medicine.

Common conditions managed include asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, tuberculosis, interstitial lung disease, pulmonary embolism, pulmonary hypertension, pleural disease, lung cancer, cystic fibrosis, and sleep-disordered breathing such as obstructive sleep apnea. Diagnostic approaches combine clinical evaluation with lung function tests, imaging, and procedures such as bronchoscopy. Key tests include spirometry, diffusion capacity, chest radiography, computed tomography, arterial blood gases, and pulse oximetry.

Management may involve inhaled bronchodilators and corticosteroids, systemic therapies, antibiotics, antifungals, oxygen therapy, noninvasive or invasive ventilation, and pulmonary rehabilitation. Some conditions require surgical interventions, including tumor resection or lung transplantation. Vaccination and lifestyle modification, especially smoking cessation, play important preventive roles. Multidisciplinary care teams coordinate with nurses, respiratory therapists, physical therapists, nutritionists, and surgeons.

In research, pulmonology investigates mechanisms of respiratory diseases, improving diagnostics, early detection, and personalized therapies. Training pathways prepare physicians to work in hospitals, clinics, and intensive care units, and to participate in public health efforts to reduce tobacco use and air pollution.