Types of Diseases and Procedures Treated by Lung Specialists

Lung specialist is an expert doctor who treats lung diseases and disorders. Lung disease is one of the most common respiratory disorders in the world. This condition can be caused by several factors, such as infection, genetics, occupational risk, or due to smoking. The main task of the lung specialist is to diagnose and determine the right type of treatment for various problems in the respiratory system. Lung specialists can work independently by opening a private practice or working in a hospital, especially in the intensive care unit.

Types of Diseases Treated by Lung Specialists

There are several symptoms that can indicate that your lungs are experiencing problems, including cough that does not heal, shortness of breath, and coughing up blood. If you experience these symptoms, you should immediately consult a doctor. In certain circumstances, a general practitioner will refer you to a pulmonary specialist. Some conditions that can be treated by a lung specialist, such as:

• Asthma

Asthma occurs due to inflammation of the respiratory tract and causes sufferers to experience shortness of breath and wheezing sounds. Asthma symptoms can occur due to the influence of infection, pollution, or due to allergies.

• Pneumonia

Pneumonia is an infectious disease in the lungs that causes sufferers to experience coughing, shortness of breath, and fever. This condition is more dangerous if it occurs in children, the elderly, or those whose immune system is weak.

• Interstitial lung disease

Interstitial lung disease is a medical term to describe a group of lung problems that affect lung tissue. Disorders of this tissue can damage the structure and function of the lungs.

• Bronchitis

Bronchitis is inflammation that occurs in the respiratory tract due to infection or exposure to pollution, such as cigarette smoke, in the long run. This condition causes the sufferer to experience coughing which is accompanied by yellow, gray, or green phlegm.

• Bronchiectasis

In this condition, the airways expand abnormally and produce excessive mucus. The emergence of mucus causes the lungs to become more susceptible to infection.

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a long-term lung disease that describes chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Patients with this disease will generally experience cough with phlegm and shortness of breath for a long time due to blockages in the respiratory tract.

• Occupational lung disease

This condition occurs when the sufferer inhales certain irritants such as dust, chemicals, and smoke excessively due to work risks. These inhaled substances cause the lungs to be disrupted and cannot function properly.

In addition, lung specialists also treat various diseases and disorders of other lung organs, such as lung tumors, pulmonary embolism, pleural effusion, tuberculosis, pneumothorax, lung swelling, and respiratory failure.

Medical Procedures Performed by Lung Specialists

In addition to treating diseases related to the lungs and respiratory system, lung specialists are also tasked with conducting examinations and medical procedures related to the lungs and respiratory system. The procedure includes:

• Lung function tests, to find out how well the lungs are performing.
• Bronchoscopy, to examine the respiratory tract and see possible problems with the trachea, throat, or larynx.
• Pulse oximetry test, to see the level of oxygen saturation in the blood.
• Thoracocentesis, to expel fluid or air from the lungs.
• Sleep study, to diagnose sleep disorders such as sleep apnea.
• Pleural and lung biopsy, which is tissue sampling for further examination.
• Lobectomy, to remove one lung lobe.
• Chest ultrasound, to examine and see the structure of respiratory organs.
• Airway management and tracheostomy, to secure the airway and ensure respiratory function can run well.

To consult further about lung diseases and disorders, you can consult a general practitioner. If your case is a disease that needs to be treated according to the competence of a lung specialist, you will be referred to a pulmonary specialist for further treatment.