Pulmonologist

Pulmonology is the branch of medicine that specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the lungs and airways.

What makes up the human respiratory system

The whole system that allows a person to breathe consists of the following organs:

1. The airways (upper and lower).
2. The air-breathing organs, where gas exchange takes place (the alveoli).
3. The pleura.
4. The respiratory muscles, which help you breathe in and out.

What a pulmonologist does

A pulmonologist is a doctor who investigates health problems of the respiratory system and then treats the conditions identified.

The pulmonologist's list of conditions includes a large number of diseases, from chronic rhinitis to lung cancer. During a consultation, the pulmonologist carries out a diagnostic search and treats the respiratory conditions identified. In some cases, after differential diagnosis, the patient is referred to specialists in related fields for specialized treatment.

A pulmonologist treats the following diseases:

• bronchitis;
• inflammation of the lungs (pneumonia, including viral);
• pleurisy;
• chronic obstructive pulmonary disease;
• bronchial asthma;
• allergic lung diseases (pneumonitis, alveolitis);
• bronchiectasis;
• fibrosis of the respiratory organs

A pulmonologist does not treat, but only diagnoses, the following diseases:

• tuberculosis at all stages (once diagnosed, the patient is referred to a phthisiologist);
• diseases of the upper airways, which fall within the scope of an otolaryngologist;
• tumors (a patient with this diagnosis is referred to an oncologist);
• cough and shortness of breath due to diseases of other internal organs.

When to consult a pulmonologist

A consultation is strongly recommended if you have the following symptoms:

1. A harsh cough that comes in fits.
2. A lingering cough, with or without sputum.
3. A cough accompanied by shortness of breath, a feeling of wheezing in the chest, or a feeling of not getting enough air.
4. A change in the character of the sputum, for example, the appearance of pus, pink foam, or blood.
5. Chest pain that changes when you breathe in or out.
6. Fever with accompanying symptoms such as weakness or shortness of breath, with or without a cough.
7. Attacks of suffocation, shortness of breath, episodes of not getting enough air, a feeling of wheezing in the chest.
8. A cough, chest discomfort, or a scratchy or tickling throat when you breathe in various odors or when the weather changes.
9. A persistent runny nose with clear discharge.

As a rule, a general practitioner gives the referral to a pulmonologist, but if the symptoms listed appear, you can also make an appointment on your own.

A consultation with a pulmonologist consists of several stages:

• Diagnosis of the respiratory organs. If necessary, the doctor may order the required tests, as well as a study of lung function (spirometry), bronchoscopy, imaging (X-ray, lung CT, pleural ultrasound), and others;
• Prescribing treatment based on the principles of evidence-based medicine
• Monitoring the effectiveness of the treatment

Alt-Med medical center has the necessary resources and modern instruments, which help establish a diagnosis without delay.

Treatment methods

The doctor determines the treatment algorithm and direction after a complete examination. Only with all the necessary data can the doctor prescribe the following treatment:

• surgical;
• drug-based (antibacterial, anti-inflammatory therapy);
• device-based (for example, CPAP and BiPAP machines);
• following a tailored diet and an individual regimen;

Alt-Med medical center uses international protocols for treatment. The drugs and methods used are supported by clinical trials.

To make an appointment with a pulmonologist at Alt-Med,

call in Odesa:

(067) 946-16-16

(048) 703-70-99

(067) 921-47-96

(050) 567-04-59

If you did not find the information you need, contact us in whatever way is convenient for you.