Pulmonologist

A pulmonologist is a physician who specializes in diseases of the respiratory system. Pulmonologists diagnose and treat conditions affecting the lungs, airways, and chest, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, tuberculosis, interstitial lung disease, pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary hypertension, lung cancer, and sleep-disordered breathing such as obstructive sleep apnea. They also manage acute respiratory failure and work in hospital wards, intensive care units, and outpatient clinics.

Training for pulmonologists typically begins with a medical degree, followed by a residency in internal medicine, and then a fellowship in pulmonology. Some physicians pursue pediatric pulmonology, focusing on children. Certification requirements vary by country, but many regions require board certification in internal medicine and pulmonology.

Pulmonologists employ a range of diagnostic tools and procedures, including pulmonary function tests (spirometry), chest imaging (X-ray and CT), arterial blood gas analysis, and bronchoscopy. Treatments commonly involve inhaled medications such as bronchodilators and corticosteroids, antibiotics for infections, oxygen therapy, and pulmonary rehabilitation. They also provide smoking cessation support, preventive care, and coordination of care for patients requiring long-term ventilatory support or complex therapies. For certain conditions, they refer patients to thoracic surgeons for procedures or to interventional pulmonology specialists for advanced airway interventions.

In clinical practice, pulmonologists collaborate with other specialists—such as thoracic surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, allergists, sleep medicine physicians, and critical care teams—to manage complex respiratory diseases. Many also participate in research aimed at improving understanding and treatment of lung conditions.