Lung Disease

DIAGNOSIS

In Medicine , 50% of all diagnoses can be made by a thorough medical history, and lung diseases are no different. The pulmonologist will conduct a general review and focus on:

hereditary diseases affecting the lungs ( Cystic Fibrosis , Alpha 1-antitrypsin Deficiency )

exposure to Toxin s ( Tobacco Smoke , Asbestos , Exhaust Fume s, Coal Mining fumes)

exposure to Infectious Agents (certain types of Bird s, malt processing)

an Autoimmune Diathesis that might predispose to certain conditions ( Pulmonary Fibrosis , Pulmonary Hypertension )

Physical diagnostics are as important as in the other fields of Medicine .

Inspection of the hands for signs of Cyanosis or Clubbing , chest wall, and respiratory rate.

Palpation of the Cervical Lymph Node s, Trachea and chest wall movement.

Percussion of the lung fields for dullness or Hyperresonance .

Auscultation (with a Stethoscope ) of the lung fields for diminished or unusual breath sounds.

As many Heart Diseases can give pulmonary signs, a thorough cardiac investigation is usually included.

Other tools include: -

Laboratory investigation of Blood ( Blood Test s). Sometimes Arterial Blood Gas measurements are also required.

Spirometry (the determination of Lung Volumes in time by breathing into a dedicated machine; response to Bronchodilatator s and Diffusion of Carbon Monoxide )

Bronchoscopy with Bronchoalveolar Lavage (BAL), Biopsy and Epithelial brushing

Chest X-rays

CT Scanning ( MRI Scanning is rarely used)

Scintigraphy and other methods of Nuclear Medicine

Positron Emission Tomography (especially in Lung Cancer )

TREATMENT

Surgical treatment in generally performed by the ( Cardio ) Thoracic Surgeon , generally after primary evaluation by a pulmonologist.

Medication is the most important treatment of most diseases of pulmonology, either by inhalation ( Bronchodilator s and Steroid s) or in oral form ( Antibiotic s, Leukotriene Antagonist s).

Oxygen therapy is often necessary in severe respiratory disease ( Emphysema and Pulmonary Fibrosis ). When this is insufficient, the patient might require Mechanical Ventilation .

TRAINING

Pulmonologists are physicians who after receiving a medical degree MD or DO complete residency training in internal medicine (3 years) followed by at least 2 additional years of subspeciality fellowship training in pulmonology.

DISEASES MANAGED BY THE PULMONOLOGIST

Asthma

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease : -

--- Chronic Bronchitis

--- Emphysema

Cystic Fibrosis (adults)

Lung Cancer diagnosis

Pneumoconiosis

Pneumonia

Pneumothorax

Psittacosis

Pulmonary Embolism

Pulmonary Fibrosis

Pulmonary Hypertension

Pulmonary Sequestration

Sarcoidosis

Sleep Apnea or Restless Legs Syndrome

SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH

Pulmonologists are involved in both clinical and basic research of the Respiratory System , ranging from the anatomy of the bronchial epithelium to the most effective treatment of Pulmonary Hypertension (a disease notoriously resistant to therapy).

Information About

Lung Disease