When Should You See a Pulmonologist?

Dedication Health

A Pulmonologist, or respiratory system doctor, takes care of patients with breathing problems. They are medical specialists with training in diagnosing and treating lung ailments as well as issues that arise from respiratory difficulties. A Pulmonologist works in clinics, at hospitals, in trauma centers, and Intensive Care Units. Additionally, many work in an internal medicine practice such as Dedication Health. Many doctors and other medical providers consult with a Pulmonologist to help identify issues as well as to provide treatment regimens. Determine whether you should see a Pulmonologist from the information below.

What Does a Pulmonologist Treat?

A Pulmonologist provides treatment for lung and breathing disorders as well as for symptoms of associated problems due to respiratory difficulties. Pulmonary care patients receive care for:

-Short-term and chronic care for patients with infections due to environmental, allergic, industrial, or other causes.

-Damaged lung lining surfaces that reduce oxygenation of the blood caused by burning, chemical inhalation, or surgery.

-Early diagnosis and treatment for cancer caused by smoking, industrial, environmental, or generational issues. In this situation, the Oncologist will often consult with your Pulmonologist.

-Foreign objects lodged in the throat or lungs as well as treatment of growths impairing full respiratory function.

-Infections and diseases that affect the membrane surrounding the lungs that make breathing painful and difficult.

-Pre-surgery care, surgery, and post-surgical care for replacing a lung that has failed due to disease, cancer, or injury.

-Diagnosis and treatment of neuromuscular diseases and infections that cause loss of strength and function of muscles used for breathing.

-Narrowing of the breathing passages or impairment due to growths or obstructions in the respiratory system resulting from disease or infection.

-Sleep Apnea or the inability to breathe properly at night while sleeping can be a dangerous condition that is sometimes life-threatening. See a Pulmonologist as soon as possible if you think you have sleep apnea.

-Coughing or wheezing uncontrollably with shortness of breath and chest tightening that occurs without warning due to allergies, smoke, or physical activities.

-A progressive disease that affects former smokers with shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness, coughing, and mucus.

-A genetic disease that creates large amounts of mucus in the lungs. Which can cause infections and scarring of the lung tissues.

-A blood clot travels to the arteries in the lung becoming lodged in place. Causing shortness of breath, chest pain, and coughing up blood.

When To Contact A Pulmonologist

Patients with any of the above symptoms or any difficulty breathing should contact a Pulmonologist immediately. Many hospitals and health clinics have a Pulmonologist on the staff that can treat emergencies. As well as provide longer-term care for on-going or chronic conditions. Pulmonary medicine doctors also work together with physicians and other medical specialists to provide complete patient care and healing.

Pulmonary Medicine Near Me: Join Dedication Health

Dedication Health is Chicago’s premier medical practice with a board-certified Pulmonologist on staff. Patients are encouraged to call 847-986-6770 any time 24/7 to receive the best care from dedicated health care professionals. Patients can also go to the Contact Page and send an inquiry or make an appointment.