Pulmonology Frequently Asked Questions
What is a pulmonologist?
A肺科医生is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating disorders and conditions of the respiratory system, including:
- 自身免疫性疾病
- cancer treatment
- infectious diseases
- inflammation
- structural problems
Though the lungs usually come to mind first when talking about pulmonology, the respiratory system is made of several parts, including:
- 支气管
- diaphragm
- 肺
- 嘴和鼻子
- sinuses
- throat (pharynx)
- voicebox (larynx)
- windpipe (trachea)
Pulmonologists treat several kinds of respiratory conditions, including:
- acute bronchitis: inflammation of the airways accompanied by a cough and mucus
- asthma: a condition that causes inflammation and the narrowing of your airways
- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): a group of lung diseases that makes it hard to breathe
- COVID-19 pneumonia: a condition that causes severe breathing problems and lung failure
- cystic fibrosis: a condition that produces mucus buildup in your airways and lungs
- interstitial lung disease: several conditions that cause lung scarring and stiffening
- lung cancer: a type of cancer that can start in or spread to your lungs
- 肺炎: a respiratory infection that causes fluid buildup in your lung’s air sacs
- pulmonary hypertension: high blood pressure that affects your lung’s arteries
- tuberculosis (TB): a bacterial infection of your lungs
Pulmonologists perform several tests, including imaging tests used to diagnose and understand the respiratory issues you are experiencing. These tests include:
- 血液检查: tests used to check your blood’s oxygen levels
- 支气管镜检查: a device that looks inside your lungs and airways
- chest ultrasound: imaging that examines the organs and structures in your chest
- CT扫描: diagnostic images of your lungs and respiratory system
- 肺活量测定法：一项测试，以衡量您的肺部工作状况
In addition to testing and imaging, a pulmonologist performs several procedures that can help improve the function of your lungs. Some common procedures include:
- airway ablation: a procedure that opens blocked air passages
- biopses：用于疾病筛查的组织样品的收集
- pulmonary hygiene: a procedure that clears fluid and mucus buildup from your lungs
对于呼吸系统的许多小问题或症状，您将获得初级保健医生（PCP）的护理。如果您遇到以下情况，您的PCP通常会将您转介给肺科医生：
- a cough that regularly produces blood or mucus
- a persistent or worsening cough
- difficulty breathing
- 无法解释的体重减轻
Depending on the severity of your symptoms, a pulmonologist may refer you to a pulmonary surgeon who specializes in treating your condition.