Pulmonology

Pulmonology is the medical specialty that focuses on diseases of the lungs and breathing system, including the airways, lung tissue and related structures. Pulmonologists diagnose, treat and help prevent short-term and long-term breathing and lung problems in adults.

What they do: Pulmonologists assess symptoms like long-lasting cough, shortness of breath, chest tightness and wheezing, interpret tests such as chest X-ray, CT scan, spirometry and bronchoscopy, manage chronic lung diseases, adjust inhalers and medicines, and guide patients on breathing exercises and lifestyle changes.

Common conditions treated: asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), long-term cough and breathlessness, lung infections including pneumonia and tuberculosis, pleural effusion (fluid around the lungs), interstitial lung disease and pulmonary fibrosis, sleep apnoea and snoring-related breathing issues, complications of smoking such as emphysema, evaluation of lung nodules or suspected lung cancer

When to visit: cough lasting more than a few weeks, repeated wheezing or chest tightness, shortness of breath during routine activities or at rest, history of asthma or COPD that is not well controlled, recurrent chest infections or tuberculosis, coughing up blood, unexplained weight loss and breathlessness, loud snoring with daytime sleepiness suggesting sleep apnoea, abnormal chest X-ray or CT scan reports that need specialist opinion

Treatment methods: detailed respiratory history and chest examination, lung function tests (spirometry, peak flow), chest X-ray and CT scan interpretation, bronchoscopy and other procedures when needed, prescribing and adjusting inhalers, nebulisers, tablets and injections, oxygen therapy and non-invasive ventilation in selected patients, counselling on smoking cessation, vaccines and infection prevention, breathing exercises and pulmonary rehabilitation programmes, coordinating care with cardiologists, thoracic surgeons and intensive care specialists