What is the Difference Between a Lung Doctor and a Pulmonologist?

If you’ve heard the phrase “lung doctor” used before, you’re probably wondering what exactly it means and how it differs from a pulmonologist. Medical professionals who diagnose, treat, or manage conditions affecting the lungs or the rest of the respiratory system may be referred to as lung doctors. Lung doctors include a variety of specialists, such as pulmonologists, internists who treat chronic respiratory diseases, respiratory therapists, or even thoracic surgeons who operate on lung conditions.

Many patients refer to their pulmonologist as their lung doctor, as this term is easier to remember. While the term does encompass pulmonologists, it can also be used to refer to other practitioners who treat respiratory issues.

Pulmonologists are specialists who have extensive expertise in diagnosing and treating respiratory diseases. Whether you are affected by asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or lung cancer, working with a pulmonologist can be highly beneficial for maintaining your wellness.

Patients with chronic respiratory conditions benefit greatly from the specialized care provided by pulmonologists. These specialists not only manage acute symptoms but also develop long-term treatment plans aimed at improving overall respiratory health and quality of life.

It’s essential to understand that while all pulmonologists are lung doctors, not all lung doctors are pulmonologists. This means that there are a variety of medical professionals who treat lung conditions and are not pulmonologists, such as internists and respiratory therapists. However, as the two terms are often considered interchangeable, you can refer to your pulmonologist as a lung doctor.

The distinction between pulmonologists and other lung doctors is that pulmonologists are experts in the respiratory system and have undergone additional training beyond medical school and residency to be considered specialists in this field. If you have a complicated or persistent lung issue, consulting a pulmonologist ensures that you receive the most specialized and comprehensive care available.

A pulmonologist may use various tools to accurately identify and understand the respiratory issues affecting their patients. The diagnostic process begins with a detailed patient history, questions about environmental factors like smoking or pollution, and a discussion of family medical history.

The specialist will ask questions about the nature and severity of your symptoms, such as chronic cough, chest pain, or shortness of breath. During the physical examination, the pulmonologist will listen to your lungs using a stethoscope to detect abnormal sounds like wheezing, crackles, or decreased breath sounds. In addition, the pulmonologist may order the following diagnostic tests to gain more insights into your symptoms:

• Blood tests: Your pulmonologist may order blood tests to assess oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in your blood or detect infections or other abnormalities.

• Spirometry: This common pulmonary function test may be used in the diagnosis of asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other disorders that affect breathing.

• Chest X-rays: Chest X-rays provide detailed images of your lungs, heart, and chest wall. This imaging test can reveal abnormalities such as tumors, infections, fluid accumulation, and structural changes in your lungs.

• Bronchoscopies: This process involves inserting a thin, flexible tube with a camera (bronchoscope) into your airways through your nose or mouth. A bronchoscopy allows the pulmonologist to directly visualize the inside of your airways and lungs, take biopsies, or remove mucus or foreign objects.

• Sleep studies: If you have symptoms suggesting a sleep-related breathing disorder, such as sleep apnea, a sleep study may be performed.

Yes, pulmonologists support patients experiencing breathing issues that affect their sleep quality or lead to disorders like obstructive sleep apnea. If you’re affected by a sleep disorder, your primary care physician may refer you to a pulmonologist for ongoing management of your condition to prevent complications.

Your pulmonologist can recommend various treatment options to manage the symptoms of your sleep disorder, as well as lifestyle recommendations to boost your wellness. For comprehensive services for enhancing your lung health, visit Dr. Luis J. Mesa, MD in Hallandale Beach, Florida. We serve patients from Hallandale Beach FL, Aventura FL, Hollywood FL, Golden Glades FL, Miramar FL, Hialeah FL, Fort Lauderdale FL, and BEYOND.