Pulmonology
Overview
Pulmonology is a medical specialty that deals with diseases involving the respiratory tract. It is known as chest medicine and respiratory medicine in some countries and areas. Pulmonology is considered a branch of internal medicine, and is related to intensive care medicine.
Scope
Pulmonology often involves managing patients who need life support and mechanical ventilation. Pulmonologists are specially trained in diseases and conditions of the chest, particularly pneumonia, asthma, tuberculosis, emphysema, and complicated chest infections.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of respiratory disease has traditionally involved the fields of pulmonology and radiology (X-ray and CT scanning). More recently, bronchoscopy and pleuroscopy have added to the diagnostic tools. This involves the insertion of a bronchoscope into the airways of the lungs, to examine the interior of these passages, and allowing for tissue sampling. Similarly, pleuroscopy allows for examination of the pleural surfaces, and allows for pleural biopsies.
Treatment
Treatment of diseases of the respiratory tract is largely dependent on the underlying condition. This can range from inhalers for asthma, to antibiotics for infections, to chemotherapy for lung cancer. The most common conditions encountered in pulmonology include asthma, COPD, and lung cancer. Other significant diseases include pneumonia, tuberculosis, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary embolism, and cystic fibrosis.
Research
Research in pulmonology is high yield and many new guidelines and protocols are being developed and updated regularly. The field is also closely related to intensive care medicine when dealing with patients requiring mechanical ventilation.
See Also
