Pulmonary disorder
Schematic view of the human respiratory system with their parts and functions.
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| System | Respiratory |
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| Significant diseases | Asthma, Lung Cancer, Tuberculosis, Occupational lung disease |
| Significant tests | Bronchoscopy, Sputum studies, Arterial blood gases |
| Specialist | Respiratory Physician, Pulmonologist, Respiratory Physiotherapist |
Physician performing a bronchoscopy.
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| Names |
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Specialty |
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Activity sectors
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Medicine |
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Education required
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Hospitals, clinics |
Pulmonology is a medical speciality that deals with diseases involving the respiratory tract. The term is derived from the Latin word pulmō, pulmōnis ("lung") and the Greek suffix , ("study of"). Pulmonology is synonymous with pneumology (from Greek πνεύμων ("lung") and -λογία), respirology and respiratory medicine.
Pulmonology is known as chest medicine and respiratory 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.
In the United Kingdom, Ireland, South Africa, and Australia the term "respiratory physician" is used (rather than pulmonologist) to distinguish a physician that practices pulmonology. In Canada, respirology and respirologist are used. Surgery of the respiratory tract is generally performed by specialists in cardiothoracic surgery (or thoracic surgery), though minor procedures may be performed by pulmonologists. As mentioned above, pulmonology is closely related to critical care medicine 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 that deals with the use of procedures such as bronchoscopy and pleuroscopy to treat several pulmonary diseases. Interventional pulmonology is increasingly recognized as a specific medical specialty.
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