Not every disease of the respiratory system requires treatment by the pulmonologist. Diseases of the upper respiratory tract are in the competence of another doctor – the otolaryngologist, called colloquially the "throat". Acute respiratory infections, tracheitis and not particularly severe bronchitis is relatively easy to manage therapists.

But it happens that the disease is not treatable or causes complications. In this case, there is a need for the services of a pulmonologist.

Diseases are treated by a pulmonologist



One of the diseases with which they are dealing pulmonologist – asthma. In this disease, from time to time there is a narrowing of the lumen of the bronchi (usually the result of an allergic reaction) that interferes with breathing. To cure this disease completely impossible, but the patient to take medication regularly and for months or even years to live without seizures.

A very common infectious lung disease – pneumonia (inflammation of lungs). It is usually associated with hypothermia, but the cause is in him. Favorable conditions for development of pathogenic organisms in the lungs can occur due to congestive phenomena. It happens when the person lies long in bed, such as after a major operation. Sick newborn pneumonia if pregnancy was polyhydramnios. Depending on the pathogen distinguish bacterial, viral, viral-bacterial and fungal pneumonia.

Another infectious disease – tuberculosis. Here pulmonology meets with another section of medicine – Phthisiology. The difference is that the TB doctor deals with the diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis in General, and the pulmonary – only TB of the lungs.

Is the responsibility of pulmonologists and occupational diseases, e.g. pneumoconiosis, a disease caused by the inhalation of industrial dust. With this disease are faced miners, burners, welders and other workers, especially when the violation of sanitary norms in production.

These are just some examples of diseases that are treated by the doctors-pulmonologists.

Diagnostic Arsenal of pneumology



Along with laboratory tests and conversations with the patient resorted to all doctors, pulmonologists have their own specific methods of diagnosis.

One of the most important methods – the function of external respiration (spirometry). For this diagnostic procedure uses a special device – the spirometer. The volume of air exhaled by the patient, allows to estimate the lung volume, airway and other indicators.

Another medical device is a pulse oximeter. On the earlobe or the finger of the patient fixed sensor associated with the computer, which shows the oxygen levels in the blood.

A lot can tell the lung x-ray of the chest. This method is used, for example, when in doubt, just whether it's bronchitis or reached pneumonia. With the help of radiographs diagnose pleurisy, emphysema, tumor, or spadenie lung and other lung diseases.