The steep rise in pollution levels coupled with lifestyle issues has taken a toll on lung health. When you have a lung ailment, like breathing problems, you should consult a . These specialists are lung specialists in Mumbai also known as pulmonologists. Let us see in detail the role of a pulmonologist.
What is a pulmonologist?
A pulmonologist specializes in treating ailments of the lungs and respiratory system. Pulmonologists study the anatomy of the lungs, that is, their structural makeup, the processes related to it, and their nature. This study comes under the medical field of pulmonology. It deals with the respiratory system, the lungs, and related diseases.
What makes up the respiratory system?
The parts of your body that make up the respiratory system are as follows:
- Lungs
- Airways
- These are the nose, mouth, larynx (voice box), pharynx (throat), trachea (windpipe), bronchi (tubes branching from the trachea, carrying air to the lungs), bronchioles (smaller than bronchi), and alveoli (air sacs in the lungs).
- Respiratory muscles- These are muscles that the body utilizes during respiration.
- Diaphragm
- Intercostal muscles- These are spread between the ribs and aid in the expansion and contraction of the chest while breathing.
- Accessory muscles- These help in breathing but do not play the main role in it.
- Expiratory muscles- They are used during exhalation.
Diseases that a pulmonologist can treat
You can see which affected parts of the body a pulmonologist specializes in treating. You should look for a lung specialist in Mumbai if you have any respiratory issues. Some of the diseases a pulmonologist can treat are:
- Pneumonia
It is an infection caused by a virus or bacteria. It inflames the alveoli in the lungs. Pneumonia causes fever, difficulty in breathing, coughing, and wheezing.
- Asthma
Asthma is an ailment that causes the airways to swell up. The person suffering from asthma may experience breathlessness, wheezing, coughing, and tightness in the chest.
- Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis or T.B. is caused by a bacterium. It usually attacks the lungs. However, any other part of the body may also be attacked by it.
- Bronchitis
Bronchitis affects the bronchi by causing them to inflame and is caused by a viral infection. It can lead to wheezing, coughing, and difficulty in breathing.
- Rhinitis
Inflammation in the lining of the nasal cavity is called rhinitis. It can be allergic, non-allergic, or an infection. Allergic rhinitis occurs on inhalation of allergens present in the air, like pollen, dust particles, etc. Rhinitis causes a runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing, and itching in the nose, throat, ears, and eyes.
- Lung cancer
Lung cancer occurs in the lungs and can spread elsewhere also. In cancer, the cells of the human body grow uncontrollably.
A lung specialist in Mumbai can give the diagnosis and recommend the appropriate treatments for these and other respiratory system diseases.
Tests a pulmonologist can recommend
If you are going to visit a pulmonologist, they may recommend several tests after assessing your condition. The tests help in accurate diagnosis and treatment. Some of these tests may include:
- Blood tests
- CBC (Complete Blood Count)
- ESR (erythrocyte-sedimentation-rate)
- CRP (C Reactive Protein)
- T.B. Gold Test
- Radiological tests
- Chest X-ray PA View
- Ultrasound Thorax
- CT Thorax
- PET Scan
- Sputum tests
- Sputum for Acid Fast Bacilli (AFB)
- Sputum culture & sensitivity
- Tests for pulmonary function
- Spirometry
- Test for checking lung capacity
- Other tests
- Bronchoscopy
- Allergy tests like skin prick test, Serum IgE level, etc.
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When should you consult a pulmonologist?
In case you have respiratory problems that persist, you should see a doctor. For specific conditions, the doctor may recommend seeing a pulmonologist. You can look for a lung specialist in Mumbai or any other city and consult them. You should see a pulmonologist if you suffer from one or more of the following issues:
- Difficulty in breathing
- Persistent cough
- Wheezing
- Coughing blood or mucus regularly
- Weight loss for no known reason
- Difficulty in exercising due to breathing problem
- Chest pain or tightening
- Dizziness, fainting, or light-headedness
- Fatigue
- Recurring cold
- Chronic bronchitis
- Difficulty in managing asthma if you already suffer from it
You should consult a pulmonologist if you suffer from any of the above problems. Additionally, if you are a smoker and have mild or severe problems, a pulmonologist can help with an accurate diagnosis. A pulmonologist can treat various health issues related to the respiratory system. If you have persistent problems, it is better to look for the best pulmonologist in Mumbai than to consult a general physician. The pulmonologist can identify the problem faster and provide effective treatment.
