Pulmonology
Whether you’re seeking a diagnosis for a lung problem or have finally discovered the reason for your breathing difficulties or persistent cough, you need a pulmonologist, a doctor specialized in diseases and conditions of the respiratory system, which includes the nasal cavity, trachea, bronchi, and lungs.
Pulmonology is a branch of internal medicine that deals with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of lung and respiratory system diseases. Pulmonologists can also be specialists in intensive care and sleep medicine, as well as in narrower fields such as asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Others treat specific patient groups such as pediatric or geriatric patients. Due to the similar symptoms that occur in both lung and heart diseases, pulmonologists often collaborate with cardiologists during the diagnosis of diseases. Patients who need breathing support or mechanical ventilation are overseen by a pulmonologist, who manages that aspect of their care.
The role of a pulmonologist in health protection is significant because the lungs are vital organs that supply the body with oxygen. Their responsibilities include:
- Identifying the causes and treating respiratory diseases and conditions that affect breathing and lung function.
- Performing diagnostic procedures such as spirometry or pulmonary function tests and bronchoscopy, which involves examining the airways with a camera to identify the cause of a patient’s problems.
- Developing individualized treatment plans, including the use of medications, inhalers, oxygen therapy, or surgical procedures.
- Helping patients better understand their condition so they can manage it more effectively and improve their quality of life.
Symptoms for which you should see a pulmonologist
Symptoms of respiratory system diseases vary greatly depending on the patient’s current health condition. These symptoms can be acute, when the illness appears suddenly, or chronic, when the condition is long-lasting and persists for years. A visit to the pulmonologist is necessary due to the sudden appearance of the disease, regular monitoring of existing conditions, or worsening of symptoms.
Some of the most common symptoms for which you should visit a pulmonologist include:
Persistent cough
If a cough lasts for a long time and does not go away, whether it is dry or accompanied by mucus, it may indicate more serious respiratory problems.
Difficulty breathing
Shortness of breath, choking, or the feeling that you cannot take a deep breath may be a sign of chronic conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Chest pain
Especially if the pain is sharp and worsens with inhalation, it may indicate pneumonia, infection, or other serious problems.
Wheezing or whistling in the chest
If you feel wheezing, whistling, or tightness in the chest when breathing, coughing, or during exertion, it may be a sign of airway narrowing, characteristic of conditions such as asthma or bronchitis.
Conditions treated by pulmonologists
Pulmonologists deal with a wide range of respiratory conditions, from mild to severe lung diseases. Among the most common are bronchitis (inflammation of the bronchi) and pneumonia, which are relatively easy to diagnose and treat. However, there are more severe forms of pneumonia that affect a large area of the lungs and can be life-threatening. This group also includes COVID-19, an infection caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which can lead to serious respiratory problems.
One of the most common chronic diseases treated by pulmonologists is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which obstructs airflow in the lungs. This group of diseases includes chronic bronchitis, emphysema (damage to the lung alveoli), as well as asthma, a chronic inflammation of the airways that causes difficulty breathing, wheezing, and tightness in the chest, often of allergic origin.
In addition to these conditions, pulmonologists treat serious diseases such as cystic fibrosis, a genetic disorder that causes damage to the lungs and other organs, and tumors, the most common of which is lung cancer. Pulmonologists also treat tuberculosis, an infection caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which primarily affects the lungs and can have serious consequences if not treated in time.
These are just some of the conditions treated by pulmonologists. They also deal with infections such as aspergillosis, caused by the fungus Aspergillus, bronchiectasis (enlargement of the bronchi that can lead to chronic infections), pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs), and sarcoidosis, a disease that causes the formation of granulomas (small inflammatory nodules) in the lungs and other organs.
Meet the PULS Pulmonology Team
The PULS pulmonology team consists of highly qualified experts with extensive experience in diagnosing and treating respiratory diseases, led by Dr. Vladan Živković, a pulmonologist and pneumophthisiologist, and a specialist in invasive pulmonary diagnostics. Dr. Nataša Đurđević, an internal medicine specialist and subspecialist in pulmonology, specializes in diagnosing and treating pulmonary diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, as well as more complex conditions that require specialized pulmonological attention. Assoc. Dr. Slobodan Belić, an internal medicine specialist and subspecialist in pulmonology, is one of the leading experts in the field of pulmonology. Colonel Dr. Stevan Sikimić, a pulmonologist and pneumophthisiologist, has many years of clinical experience in treating pulmonary-allergic and pneumophthisiological diseases and conditions.
If you are experiencing symptoms, suspect a problem with your lungs or respiratory organs, or your chronic illness has suddenly worsened, contact us. Our top team of experts offers fast diagnostics and innovative solutions for your condition, following the highest international standards of quality.
What does a pulmonology examination look like?
A pulmonology examination lasts between 20 and 30 minutes, is completely painless, and begins with a detailed conversation with the patient. The pulmonologist will ask about your current health condition, the symptoms you are experiencing, your medical history, lifestyle habits, and family medical history. This is followed by a physical examination, which includes listening to the lungs with a stethoscope and checking respiratory function.
Depending on your condition, the pulmonologist may request additional tests and diagnostic procedures. Blood tests can help detect infections, while spirometry, a quick test to assess lung function, allows the detection and monitoring of diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
A chest X-ray provides insight into the structure of the lungs and any changes in them. If necessary, the pulmonologist may recommend advanced diagnostic methods such as a CT scan or bronchoscopy to get a more detailed view of your lungs.
How to prepare for a pulmonology visit
To prepare for your pulmonology visit, it is recommended to make a list of the symptoms you are experiencing, as well as note how long these symptoms have lasted. Gather all information about previous diagnoses and medications you are currently taking. It is also helpful to write down any questions you want to ask the pulmonologist to ensure you get answers to all your concerns.
Be sure to bring all previous medical documentation, including X-rays, spirometry results, lab tests, or other relevant tests, so the pulmonologist can have a better overview of your medical history and make an accurate diagnosis.
The importance of early diagnosis and treatment
Healthy lungs are crucial for normal daily functioning, but they are not always easy to protect, especially in conditions of increased air pollution, frequent viral infections, or allergies. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to any symptom that may indicate the development of a potential problem in the respiratory system.
Early diagnosis plays a key role because detecting the disease at an early stage significantly increases the chances of successful therapy and complete recovery. This is especially important for more serious diagnoses, such as malignant processes, where timely disease detection can save lives.
You can check the prices of specialist pulmonology consultations in our price list.