Pulmonology Frequently Asked Questions
What is a pulmonologist?
Apulmonologistis a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating disorders and conditions of the respiratory system, including:
- autoimmune disorders
- 癌症治疗
- 传染性疾病
- inflammation
- 结构问题
尽管在谈论肺病学时通常首先想到肺，但呼吸系统是由多个部分组成的，包括：
- bronchial tubes
- 膜片
- lungs
- mouth and nose
- sinuses
- 喉咙（咽）
- voicebox (larynx)
- 气管（气管）
肺科医生治疗几种呼吸系统疾病，包括：
- acute bronchitis: inflammation of the airways accompanied by a cough and mucus
- 哮喘：导致炎症和气道狭窄的疾病
- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)：一组肺部疾病，难以呼吸
- COVID-19 pneumonia: a condition that causes severe breathing problems and lung failure
- 囊性纤维化：在您的气道和肺部产生粘液堆积的疾病
- interstitial lung disease：几种导致肺疤痕和僵硬的情况
- lung cancer: a type of cancer that can start in or spread to your lungs
- pneumonia：一种呼吸道感染，导致肺部空气囊中的液体积聚
- 肺动脉高压: high blood pressure that affects your lung’s arteries
- 结核病（TB）: a bacterial infection of your lungs
肺科医生s perform several tests, including imaging tests used to diagnose and understand the respiratory issues you are experiencing. These tests include:
- blood tests: tests used to check your blood’s oxygen levels
- bronchoscopy: a device that looks inside your lungs and airways
- chest ultrasound: imaging that examines the organs and structures in your chest
- CT scans: diagnostic images of your lungs and respiratory system
- spirometry: a test that measures how well your lungs work
除了测试和成像外，肺科医生还执行几种可以帮助改善肺功能的程序。一些常见程序包括：
- 气道消融: a procedure that opens blocked air passages
- 活检: the collection of a tissue sample for disease screening
- pulmonary hygiene：从肺部清除液体和粘液积聚的过程
For many minor concerns or symptoms of the respiratory system, you’ll receive care from your primary care physician (PCP). Your PCP will usually refer you to a pulmonologist if you’re experiencing the following:
- a cough that regularly produces blood or mucus
- 持续或恶化的咳嗽
- 呼吸困难
- unexplained weight loss
根据症状的严重程度，肺科医生可能会将您转介给专门治疗病情的肺外科医生。