Everyone who has chronic pulmonary disease should see a pulmonologist. A pulmonologist is a doctor who evaluates and treats people with diseases of the lungs, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This doctor's job can range from helping to keep you stable when your condition flares up to diagnosing and treating a disease that you might not even know you have.
When you first meet with your pulmonologist, the doctor will likely ask you about your medical history and do an exam. Your pulmonologist should give you a good idea of how to control your illness, but the exact treatment plan may be different depending on what type of lung disease you have.
The first thing your pulmonologist will do is ask you about your medical history. They'll want to know what medications you're currently taking, whether you're allergic to any medicines or food if you've ever been hospitalized for asthma before, if you have other conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart failure, or diabetes, and if you've been diagnosed with chronic bronchitis or emphysema.
Your pulmonologist will also give you a physical exam to check your lungs and heart. They'll listen to your heart and lungs by placing their stethoscope on different areas of your chest. Your doctor will look into your mouth and nose as well as your ears to check for other possible conditions, such as sinusitis or reflux.
You'll have several tests to see how well your lungs are working. These can include breathing tests where you breathe into a tube while the doctor measures how much air you inhale and exhale, pulse oximetry (measurement of oxygen in the blood), lung function tests, blood gas measurements, and spirometry (a test that measures how much air you can breathe out). Your doctor may also use imaging tests to take pictures of your lungs or heart. Imaging might include chest X-rays, computed tomography scans (CT scans), positron emission tomography (PET) scans, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Your doctor will give you a treatment plan that includes medications and education about your condition. You may need to see other types of doctors for additional tests and therapies too. Treatment plans can vary depending on what type of lung disease you have. For example, if you have asthma, your doctor may want to try different medications (including asthma inhalers) and talk to you about avoiding certain things that can worsen your symptoms. If you have chronic bronchitis or emphysema, you might need to see a pulmonologist who specializes in treating lung diseases like COPD.
Your doctor may also refer you to a specialist in the digestive system, heart disease, or another medical condition that can make it difficult for your lungs to work properly.
When you have a chronic lung disease, it's essential to visit your doctor regularly. Your regular schedule can vary depending on what type of lung disease you have and how well it's controlled. When you meet with your pulmonologist, be sure to ask questions about anything that concerns you. Good communication between you and your doctor makes it easier to manage your illness and feel your best.
Hunterdon Pulmonary & Sleep Associates is a group of board-certified pulmonologists who believe in providing the highest level of patient care. We use advanced diagnostic imaging procedures and work closely with our patients to provide individualized treatment. To schedule an appointment, call us today at (908) 237-1560.