Pulmonological examination, what is it and what is it for? What does the pulmonologist do?

By Cristiano Antonino On Jan 6, 2023

The pulmonologist deals with the diagnosis and treatment of pathologies that may affect the structures of the respiratory system: larynx, trachea, bronchi, lungs, diaphragm and rib cage

By treating diagnosed pathologies, he tries to prevent the onset of respiratory insufficiency or at least slow down its progression as much as possible.

If necessary, he can call on the services of an allergist, thoracic or cardiovascular surgeon.

The pathologies most often treated by the pulmonologist are:

Allergic asthma
Inflammatory diseases such as laryngitis, bronchitis, pneumonia and brocopneumonia, whether in acute or chronic form, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Tuberculosis
Lung cancer
Sarcoidosis

What procedures are most commonly used by the pulmonologist?

The pulmonologist first collects information on the patient’s medical and family history, trying to obtain as accurate a history as possible.

He or she inquires about risk factors for respiratory diseases (such as smoking and exposure to toxic substances) and about the presence of any other pathologies, especially allergic, autoimmune or cardiovascular, even in family members.

This is followed by an objective test, which involves inspection, palpation, percussion and auscultation of the chest, after which he may prescribe diagnostic tests.

Frequently requested tests include:

Laboratory tests
Chest X-ray
Spirometry
Chest CT scan
Biopsy
Endoscopy

When to ask for a pulmonologist visit?

People often turn to the pulmonologist when the problem is at an advanced stage and difficult to treat.

This is why it is better not to neglect the initial symptoms of diseases that can affect the respiratory system and ask for an appointment with this specialist at the first signs.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease may, for example, manifest itself with a cough often associated with abundant mucus production, respiratory breathlessness and the production of hisses or whistles during breathing, signs that it might be worth consulting a pulmonologist.

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