Pulmonology

{{short description|Study of respiratory diseases}} {{hatnote|"Pulmonary medicine", "Pediatric pulmonology", "Respiratory medicine", "Respirology", and "Diseases of the chest" redirect here. For the medical journals, see [[Pulmonary Medicine (journal)]], [[Pediatric Pulmonology]], [[Respiratory Medicine]], [[Respirology (journal)]], and [[Diseases of the Chest]]}} {{Infobox medical specialty | title = Pulmonology | subdivisions = | image = [[File:Respiratory system complete en.svg|250px]] | caption = Schematic view of the human respiratory system with their parts and functions | system = [[Respiratory system|Respiratory]] | diseases = [[Asthma]], [[Lung cancer]], [[Tuberculosis]], [[Occupational lung disease]] | tests = [[Bronchoscopy]], [[Sputum|Sputum studies]], [[Arterial blood gas]]es | specialist = Respiratory Physician, Pulmonologist }} '''Pulmonology''' ({{IPAc-en|ˌ|p|ʌ|l|m|ə|ˈ|n|ɒ|l|ə|dʒ|i}}, {{IPAc-en|ˌ|p|ʊ|l|m|ə|ˈ|n|ɒ|l|ə|dʒ|i}}, from [[Latin]] ''pulmō, -ōnis'' "lung" and the [[Ancient Greek|Greek]] suffix {{lang|grc|[[wikt:-λογία|-λογία]]}} {{Transliteration|el|-logía}} "study of"), '''pneumology''' ({{IPAc-en|n|ʊ|ˈ|m|ɒ|l|ə|dʒ|i|,_|n|j|ʊ|-}}, built on Greek πνεύμων {{Transliteration|el|pneúmōn}} "lung") or '''pneumonology'''<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Ramoutsaki |first1=Ioanna |last2=Ramoutsakis |first2=Ioannis |last3=Bouros |first3=Demosthenes |title=Pneumonology or Pneumology? |journal=Chest |date=May 2002 |volume=121 |issue=5 |pages=1385–1387 |doi=10.1378/chest.121.5.1385|pmid=12006412 }}</ref> ({{IPAc-en|n|ʊ|m|ə|n|ˈ|ɒ|l|ə|dʒ|i|,_|n|j|ʊ|-}}) is a [[specialty (medicine)|medical specialty]] that deals with [[Respiratory disease|diseases]] involving the [[respiratory tract]].<ref name=acp>[http://www.acponline.org/patients_families/about_internal_medicine/subspecialties/pulmonology/ ACP: Pulmonology: Internal Medicine Subspecialty] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150811080941/http://www.acponline.org/patients_families/about_internal_medicine/subspecialties/pulmonology/ |date=2015-08-11 }}. Acponline.org. Retrieved on 2011-09-30.</ref> It is also known as '''respirology''', '''respiratory medicine''', or '''chest medicine''' in some countries and areas.

Pulmonology is considered a branch of [[internal medicine]], and is related to [[intensive care medicine]]. Pulmonology often involves managing patients who need life support and [[mechanical ventilation]]. Pulmonologists are specially trained in diseases and conditions of the [[chest]], particularly [[pneumonia]], [[asthma]], [[tuberculosis]], [[emphysema]], and complicated chest infections.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-01-14 |title=Pulmonology Overview and Definition |url=https://int.livhospital.com/pulmonology/ |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|last=Sengupta|first=Nandini|author2=Sahidullah, Md|author3=Saha, Goutam|title=Lung sound classification using cepstral-based statistical features|journal=Computers in Biology and Medicine|date=August 2016|volume=75|issue=1|pages=118–129|doi=10.1016/j.compbiomed.2016.05.013|pmid=27286184}}</ref>

Pulmonology/respirology departments work especially closely with certain other specialties: [[cardiothoracic surgery]] departments and [[cardiology]] departments.

== Journals of pulmonology == * [[American Association for Respiratory Care]] * [[American College of Chest Physicians]] * [[American Lung Association]] * [[American Thoracic Society]] * [[British Thoracic Society]] * [[European Respiratory Society]]

== History of pulmonology == One of the first major discoveries relevant to the field of pulmonology was the discovery of [[pulmonary circulation]]. Originally, it was thought that [[blood]] reaching the right side of the [[heart]] passed through small 'pores' in the [[Interventricular septum|septum]] into the left side to be oxygenated, as theorized by [[Galen]]; however, the discovery of pulmonary circulation disproves this theory, which had previously been accepted since the 2nd century. Thirteenth-century [[anatomist]] and [[physiologist]] [[Ibn Al-Nafis]] accurately theorized that there was no 'direct' passage between the two sides ([[Ventricle (heart)|ventricles]]) of the heart. He believed that the blood must have passed through the [[pulmonary artery]], through the lungs, and back into the heart to be [[circulatory system|pumped]] around the body. This is believed by many to be the first scientific description of pulmonary circulation.<ref>{{cite journal|author=Sharif Kaf A-Ghazal|date=2002|title=The discovery of the pulmonary circulation – who should get the credit: ibn Al-Nafis or William Harvey|url=http://www.ishim.net/ishimj/2/09.pdf|journal=Journal of the International Society for the History of Islamic Medicine|volume=2|page=46|access-date=2010-07-17|archive-date=2010-06-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100612141149/http://ishim.net/ishimj/2/09.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

Although pulmonary medicine only began to evolve as a medical specialty in the 1950s, [[William H. Welch|William Welch]] and [[William Osler]] founded the 'parent' organization of the [[American Thoracic Society]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.thoracic.org/about/overview.php|title=American Thoracic Society - Overview|website=www.thoracic.org|access-date=2019-01-25|archive-date=2019-04-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190426111925/http://www.thoracic.org/about/overview.php|url-status=live}}</ref> the National Association for the Study and Prevention of [[Tuberculosis]].<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Jacobs|first=Henry Barton|date=1904-12-03|title=National Association for the Study and Prevention of Tuberculosis.|url=https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/463708|journal=Journal of the American Medical Association|language=en|volume=XLIII|issue=23|pages=1712|doi=10.1001/jama.1904.02500230042014|issn=0002-9955|access-date=2019-01-25|archive-date=2021-12-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211213053250/https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/463708|url-status=live|url-access=subscription}}</ref> The care, treatment, and study of tuberculosis of the lung is recognised as a discipline in its own right, [[phthisiology]].<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Lauzardo|first1=Michael|last2=Ashkin|first2=David|date=2000-05-01|title=Phthisiology at the Dawn of the New Century|journal=Chest|volume=117|issue=5|pages=1455–1473|doi=10.1378/chest.117.5.1455|pmid=10807837|issn=0012-3692}}</ref> When the specialty began to evolve, several discoveries were being made linking the respiratory system and the measurement of arterial blood gases, attracting more and more physicians and researchers to the developing field.<ref>[http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/pulmonary/about/history.html History of the Division] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170811150722/http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/pulmonary/about/history.html |date=2017-08-11 }}. Hopkinsmedicine.org. Retrieved on 2011-09-30.</ref>

== Pulmonology and its relevance in other medical fields == [[Surgery]] of the respiratory tract is generally performed by specialists in [[cardiothoracic surgery]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.essentiahealth.org/services/heart-vascular-services/cardiothoracic-surgery/|title=Cardiothoracic Surgery {{!}} Essentia Health {{!}} MN, WI, ND|website=www.essentiahealth.org|access-date=2019-01-25|archive-date=2019-01-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190126001042/https://www.essentiahealth.org/services/heart-vascular-services/cardiothoracic-surgery/|url-status=live}}</ref> (or [[thoracic surgery]]),<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/doctors/roles-doctors/surgery/cardiothoracic-surgery|title=Cardiothoracic surgery|date=2015-04-07|website=Health Careers|language=en|access-date=2019-01-25|archive-date=2019-01-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190126000937/https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/doctors/roles-doctors/surgery/cardiothoracic-surgery|url-status=live}}</ref> though minor procedures may be performed by pulmonologists. Pulmonology is closely related to critical care medicine<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.acponline.org/about-acp/about-internal-medicine/subspecialties/pulmonary-disease|title=Pulmonary Disease {{!}} Internal Medicine Subspecialties {{!}} ACP|website=www.acponline.org|access-date=2019-01-25|archive-date=2015-09-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150909203508/https://www.acponline.org/patients_families/about_internal_medicine/subspecialties/pulmonology/|url-status=live}}</ref> when dealing with patients who require mechanical ventilation. As a result, many pulmonologists are certified to practice critical care medicine in addition to pulmonary medicine. There are fellowship programs that allow physicians to become board certified in pulmonary and critical care medicine simultaneously. [[Interventional pulmonology]] is a relatively new field within pulmonary medicine<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.webmd.com/lung/interventional-pulmonology-uses-effects|title=Interventional Pulmonology: Procedures, Uses, and Effects|website=WebMD|language=en|access-date=2019-01-25|archive-date=2019-01-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190126000919/https://www.webmd.com/lung/interventional-pulmonology-uses-effects|url-status=live}}</ref> that deals with the use of procedures such as [[bronchoscopy]]<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Seijo|first1=Luis M.|last2=Sterman|first2=Daniel H.|date=2001-03-08|title=Interventional Pulmonology|journal=New England Journal of Medicine|volume=344|issue=10|pages=740–749|doi=10.1056/NEJM200103083441007|issn=0028-4793|pmid=11236779}}</ref> and pleuroscopy to treat several pulmonary diseases.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.pamf.org/pulmonary/interventional/procedures.html|title=Interventional Pulmonology Diagnostic and Therapeutic Procedures|website=www.pamf.org|access-date=2019-01-25|archive-date=2019-01-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190117162112/http://www.pamf.org/pulmonary/interventional/procedures.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Interventional pulmonology is increasingly recognized as a specific medical specialty.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Luis M. Seijo|author2=Daniel H. Sterman|name-list-style=amp |title=Interventional Pulmonology |journal=N. Engl. J. Med. |volume=344 |issue=10 |pages=740–49 |date=2001 |pmid=11236779 |doi=10.1056/NEJM200103083441007}}</ref>

== Diagnosis == The pulmonologist begins the diagnostic process with a general review focusing on: * [[Heredity|hereditary]] diseases affecting the [[human lung|lungs]] ([[cystic fibrosis]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.msdmanuals.com/professional/pediatrics/cystic-fibrosis-cf/cystic-fibrosis|title=Cystic Fibrosis - Pediatrics|website=MSD Manual Professional Edition|language=en|access-date=2019-01-25|archive-date=2019-01-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190126001145/https://www.msdmanuals.com/professional/pediatrics/cystic-fibrosis-cf/cystic-fibrosis|url-status=live}}</ref> [[alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency]]) * exposure to [[toxicant]]s ([[tobacco smoking|tobacco smoke]],<ref name=BrelandSoule2017>{{cite journal|last1=Breland|first1=Alison|last2=Soule|first2=Eric|last3=Lopez|first3=Alexa|last4=Ramôa|first4=Carolina|last5=El-Hellani|first5=Ahmad|last6=Eissenberg|first6=Thomas|title=Electronic cigarettes: what are they and what do they do?|journal=Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences|volume=1394|issue=1|year=2017|pages=5–30|issn=0077-8923|doi=10.1111/nyas.12977|pmc=4947026|pmid=26774031|bibcode=2017NYASA1394....5B}}</ref> [[asbestos]], [[exhaust gas|exhaust fumes]], [[coal mining]] fumes, [[composition of electronic cigarette aerosol|e-cigarette aerosol]]<ref name=PerikleousSteiropoulos2018>{{cite journal|last1=Perikleous|first1=Evanthia P.|last2=Steiropoulos|first2=Paschalis|last3=Paraskakis|first3=Emmanouil|last4=Constantinidis|first4=Theodoros C.|last5=Nena|first5=Evangelia|title=E-Cigarette Use Among Adolescents: An Overview of the Literature and Future Perspectives|journal=Frontiers in Public Health|volume=6|year=2018|article-number=86|issn=2296-2565|doi=10.3389/fpubh.2018.00086|pmc=5879739|pmid=29632856|bibcode=2018FrPH....6...86P |doi-access=free}}</ref>) * exposure to [[infectious disease|infectious agents]] (certain types of [[bird]]s, malt processing) * an [[Autoimmunity|autoimmune]] [[Diathesis (medicine)|diathesis]] that might predispose to certain conditions ([[pulmonary fibrosis]], [[pulmonary hypertension]])

Physical diagnostics<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.msdmanuals.com/professional/pulmonary-disorders/approach-to-the-pulmonary-patient/evaluation-of-the-pulmonary-patient|title=Evaluation of the Pulmonary Patient - Pulmonary Disorders|website=MSD Manual Professional Edition|language=en|access-date=2019-01-25|archive-date=2019-01-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190126001121/https://www.msdmanuals.com/professional/pulmonary-disorders/approach-to-the-pulmonary-patient/evaluation-of-the-pulmonary-patient|url-status=live}}</ref> are as important as in other fields of [[medicine]]. * Inspection of the hands for signs of [[cyanosis]] or [[Nail clubbing|clubbing]], the chest wall, and the respiratory rate. * Palpation of the [[cervical lymph nodes]], [[Vertebrate trachea|trachea]] and chest wall movement. * [[Percussion (medicine)|Percussion]] of the lung fields for dullness or hyper-resonance. * [[Auscultation]] (with a [[stethoscope]]) of the lung fields for diminished or unusual [[breath sounds]]. ** [[Rales]] or [[rhonchi]] are heard over the lung fields with a [[stethoscope]].

As many [[cardiology|heart diseases]] can give pulmonary signs,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/test_procedures/pulmonary/|title=Pulmonary Tests and Procedures {{!}} Johns Hopkins Medicine Health Library|website=www.hopkinsmedicine.org|access-date=2019-01-25|archive-date=2019-01-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190126064134/https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/test_procedures/pulmonary/|url-status=live}}</ref> a thorough cardiac investigation is usually included.

==Procedures==

=== Clinical procedures === Pulmonary clinical procedures include the following pulmonary tests and procedures:<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/test_procedures/pulmonary/|title=Pulmonary Tests and Procedures {{!}} Johns Hopkins Medicine Health Library|website=www.hopkinsmedicine.org|access-date=2019-01-25|archive-date=2019-01-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190126064134/https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/test_procedures/pulmonary/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.essentiahealth.org/services/pulmonary-medicine/diagnostic-tests-procedures/|title=Pulmonary Diagnostic Tests & Procedures {{!}} Essentia Health|website=www.essentiahealth.org|access-date=2019-01-25|archive-date=2019-01-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190126000903/https://www.essentiahealth.org/services/pulmonary-medicine/diagnostic-tests-procedures/|url-status=live}}</ref> * [[Medical laboratory]] investigation of blood ([[blood test]]s). Sometimes [[arterial blood gas test]]s are also required. * [[Spirometry]] is the determination of maximum airflow at a given lung volume as measured by breathing into a dedicated machine; this is the key test to diagnose airflow obstruction. * [[Pulmonary function testing]] including spirometry, as above, plus response to bronchodilators, lung volumes, and diffusion capacity, the latter being a measure of lung oxygen absorptive area * [[Bronchoscopy]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/test_procedures/pulmonary/bronchoscopy_92,P07743|title=Bronchoscopy {{!}} Johns Hopkins Medicine Health Library|website=www.hopkinsmedicine.org|access-date=2019-01-25|archive-date=2019-01-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190126064132/https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/test_procedures/pulmonary/bronchoscopy_92,P07743|url-status=live}}</ref> with [[bronchoalveolar lavage]] (BAL), endobronchial and transbronchial [[biopsy]] and [[epithelium|epithelial]] brushing * [[Chest radiograph|Chest X-rays]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/test_procedures/cardiovascular/chest_x-ray_92,p07746|title=How Do Chest X-Rays Work?|website=www.hopkinsmedicine.org|language=en|access-date=2019-01-25|archive-date=2019-01-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190126000917/https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/test_procedures/cardiovascular/chest_x-ray_92,p07746|url-status=live}}</ref> * [[CT scan]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/test_procedures/pulmonary/ct_scan_of_the_chest_92,P07747|title=Computed Tomography (CT or CAT) Scan of the Chest {{!}} Johns Hopkins Medicine Health Library|website=www.hopkinsmedicine.org|access-date=2019-01-25|archive-date=2019-01-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190126065643/https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/test_procedures/pulmonary/ct_scan_of_the_chest_92,P07747|url-status=live}}</ref> * [[Scintigraphy]] and other methods of [[nuclear medicine]] * [[Positron emission tomography]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/test_procedures/neurological/positron_emission_tomography_pet_92,p07654|title=How Does a PET Scan Work?|website=www.hopkinsmedicine.org|language=en|access-date=2019-01-25|archive-date=2021-12-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211213053249/https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/positron-emission-tomography-pet|url-status=live}}</ref> (especially in [[lung cancer]]) * [[Polysomnography]] (sleep studies<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/test_procedures/pulmonary/sleep_study_92,p09032|title=How to Prepare for a Sleep Study|website=www.hopkinsmedicine.org|language=en|access-date=2019-01-25|archive-date=2019-01-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190126060858/https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/test_procedures/pulmonary/sleep_study_92,p09032|url-status=live}}</ref>) is commonly used for the diagnosis of [[sleep apnea]]

=== Surgical procedures === Major surgical procedures on the heart and lungs are performed by a [[thoracic surgery|thoracic surgeon]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/doctors/roles-doctors/surgery/cardiothoracic-surgery|title=Cardiothoracic surgery|date=2015-04-07|website=Health Careers|language=en|access-date=2019-01-25|archive-date=2019-01-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190126000937/https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/doctors/roles-doctors/surgery/cardiothoracic-surgery|url-status=live}}</ref> Pulmonologists often perform specialized procedures to get samples from the inside of the chest or the inside of the lung. They use radiographic techniques to view the vasculature of the lungs and heart to assist with diagnosis.

== Treatment and therapeutics == {{see also|Cardiothoracic surgery|Pulmonary rehabilitation}}

[[Medication]] is the most important treatment for most diseases of pulmonology, either by inhalation ([[bronchodilator]]s and [[steroid]]s) or in oral form ([[antibiotic]]s, [[leukotriene antagonist]]s). A common example being the usage of [[inhalers]] in the treatment of inflammatory lung conditions such as [[asthma]] or [[chronic obstructive pulmonary disease]]. [[Oxygen therapy]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.msdmanuals.com/en-au/home/lung-and-airway-disorders/rehabilitation-for-lung-and-airway-disorders/oxygen-therapy|title=Oxygen Therapy - Lung and Airway Disorders|website=MSD Manual Consumer Version|language=en-AU|access-date=2019-01-25|archive-date=2021-12-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211213053257/https://www.msdmanuals.com/en-au/home/lung-and-airway-disorders/rehabilitation-for-lung-and-airway-disorders/oxygen-therapy|url-status=live}}</ref> is often necessary in severe respiratory disease ([[emphysema]] and [[pulmonary fibrosis]]). When this is insufficient, the patient might require [[mechanical ventilation]].

Pulmonary rehabilitation<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.essentiahealth.org/services/pulmonary-medicine/rehabilitation/|title=Pulmonary Rehabilitation {{!}} Essentia Health {{!}} MN, ND, WI|website=www.essentiahealth.org|access-date=2019-01-25|archive-date=2019-01-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190126000943/https://www.essentiahealth.org/services/pulmonary-medicine/rehabilitation/|url-status=live}}</ref> has been defined as a multidimensional continuum of services directed to persons with pulmonary disease and their families, usually by an interdisciplinary team of specialists, with the goal of achieving and maintaining the individual's maximum level of independence and functioning in the community. Pulmonary rehabilitation<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.msdmanuals.com/en-au/home/lung-and-airway-disorders/rehabilitation-for-lung-and-airway-disorders/overview-of-pulmonary-rehabilitation|title=Overview of Pulmonary Rehabilitation - Lung and Airway Disorders|website=MSD Manual Consumer Version|language=en-AU|access-date=2019-01-25|archive-date=2019-01-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190126001142/https://www.msdmanuals.com/en-au/home/lung-and-airway-disorders/rehabilitation-for-lung-and-airway-disorders/overview-of-pulmonary-rehabilitation|url-status=live}}</ref> is intended to educate the patient, the family, and improve the overall quality of life and [[prognosis]] for the patient. Interventions can include exercise, education, emotional support, oxygen, [[Non-invasive ventilation|noninvasive mechanical ventilation]], optimization of airway secretion clearance, promoting compliance with medical care to reduce numbers of exacerbations and hospitalizations, and returning to work and/or a more active and emotionally satisfying life. These goals are appropriate for any patients with diminished respiratory reserve whether due to obstructive or intrinsic pulmonary diseases (oxygenation impairment) or neuromuscular weakness (ventilatory impairment). A pulmonary rehabilitation team<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.msdmanuals.com/en-au/home/lung-and-airway-disorders/rehabilitation-for-lung-and-airway-disorders/overview-of-pulmonary-rehabilitation|title=Overview of Pulmonary Rehabilitation - Lung and Airway Disorders|website=MSD Manual Consumer Version|language=en-AU|access-date=2019-01-25|archive-date=2019-01-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190126001142/https://www.msdmanuals.com/en-au/home/lung-and-airway-disorders/rehabilitation-for-lung-and-airway-disorders/overview-of-pulmonary-rehabilitation|url-status=live}}</ref> may include a rehabilitation physician, a pulmonary medicine specialist, [[physician assistant]] and allied health professionals including a rehabilitation [[nurse]], a [[respiratory therapist]], a [[Speech–language pathology|speech-language pathologist]], a [[physical therapist]], an [[occupational therapist]], a [[psychologist]], and a [[social worker]] among others. Additionally, breathing games are used to motivate children to perform pulmonary rehabilitation.

== Education and training ==

=== Pulmonologist === {{Infobox occupation | name= Pulmonologist | image= [[File:Bronchoscopy nci-vol-1950-300.jpg|200px]] | caption= Physician performing a [[bronchoscopy]] | official_names= * Pulmonologist * Pneumologist * Respirologist * Respiratory physician or chest physician  | type= [[Specialty (medicine)|Specialty]] | activity_sector= [[Medicine]] | competencies= | formation= * [[Doctor of Medicine]] (M.D.) * [[Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine]] (D.O.) * [[Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery]] (MBBS/MBChB) | employment_field= [[Hospital]]s, [[clinic]]s | related_occupation= }}

In the [[United States]], pulmonologists are physicians who, after receiving a medical degree ([[Doctor of Medicine|MD]] or [[Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine|DO]]), complete [[residency (medicine)|residency]] training in [[internal medicine]], followed by at least two additional years of subspeciality [[fellowship (medicine)|fellowship]] training in pulmonology.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.acponline.org/about-acp/about-internal-medicine/subspecialties/pulmonary-disease|title=Pulmonary Disease {{!}} Internal Medicine Subspecialties {{!}} ACP|website=www.acponline.org|access-date=2019-01-25|archive-date=2015-09-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150909203508/https://www.acponline.org/patients_families/about_internal_medicine/subspecialties/pulmonology/|url-status=live}}</ref> After satisfactorily completing a fellowship in pulmonary medicine, the physician is permitted to take the board certification examination in pulmonary medicine. After passing this exam, the physician is then board certified as a pulmonologist. Most pulmonologists complete three years of combined subspecialty fellowship training in pulmonary medicine and critical care medicine.

=== Pediatric pulmonologist === In the [[United States]], pediatric pulmonologists<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.healthychildren.org/English/family-life/health-management/pediatric-specialists/Pages/What-is-a-Pediatric-Pulmonologist.aspx|title=What is a Pediatric Pulmonologist?|website=HealthyChildren.org|date=21 November 2015 |access-date=2019-01-25|archive-date=2019-01-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190126061055/https://www.healthychildren.org/English/family-life/health-management/pediatric-specialists/Pages/What-is-a-Pediatric-Pulmonologist.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref> are [[physicians]] who, after receiving a medical degree (MD, DO, MBBS, MBBCh, etc.), complete residency training in [[pediatrics]], followed by at least three additional years of subspeciality fellowship training in pulmonology. Pediatric pulmonologists treat diseases of the airways, lungs, respiratory mechanics and aerodigestive system.

== Scientific research == Pulmonologists are involved in both clinical and basic research of the [[respiratory system]], ranging from the anatomy of the [[respiratory epithelium]] to the most effective treatment of [[pulmonary hypertension]]. Scientific research also takes place to look for causes and possible treatment in diseases such as [[pulmonary tuberculosis]] and [[lung cancer]].

== References == {{portal|Medicine}} {{reflist}}

[[Category:Pulmonology| ]] [[Category:Medical specialties]]