Your general physician advises you to see a pulmonologist if you have continuous cough or breathing problems for many days. The pulmonologist is a specialist in diagnosing lung-related illnesses. Moreover, they work with you for a longer period to manage and give proper treatment to your conditions. Let us read about the conditions that a pulmonologist can treat. Book an online doctor consultation with a chest specialist in Jammu to discuss your condition with a pulmonologist.

Who is a Pulmonologist? 

A pulmonologist is an expert in treating patients with lung conditions and breathing issues. Needless to mention, they evaluate the condition of the nose, throat, and trachea. 

10 Reasons to See a Pulmonologist

Some common conditions like asthma, bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD), and tuberculosis, and rare conditions like aspergillosis, cystic fibrosis, emphysema, lung cancer, pulmonary hypertension, and sarcoidosis are treated by a pulmonologist. Let us learn a bit more about them.

  • Asthma

Asthma is a chronic condition which affects the lungs, and it requires long-term therapy. Asthma attacks can be triggered by allergies and environmental factors like air pollution, dust, pest, mould, and exercise. As a result, you may experience pain, tightness in the chest, coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Contact a chest specialist in Jammu to discuss your treatment regime. 

  • Bronchitis

Bronchitis is a condition that affects the lungs (bronchi and trachea). It can be acute and resolve in two weeks. However, chronic bronchitis is a lifelong condition. Symptoms of bronchitis include difficult breathing, runny nose, fever, and tiredness. Talk to a chest specialist in Jammu to learn more about bronchitis.

  • Aspergillosis

Exposure to various moulds can cause an allergic reaction or infection. Moulds are a type of fungus and can be found near plants, rotting vegetables and soil. One such mould Aspergillus fumigatus cause aspergillosis in certain people. You may experience symptoms like cough, fever, wheezing, chest pain and difficulty breathing. 

  • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a broad term that covers two conditions, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema. The severity of COPD increases the difficulty in breathing. Symptoms you may experience include cough with mucus production, wheezing, and shortness of breath.

  • Emphysema

Emphysema is also a life-long disease and cannot be reversed. It is usually prevalent among smokers. The air sacs of the lungs are damaged leading to the collapse of the bronchial tubes. As a result, air can get trapped inside the lungs and give a barrel-chested appearance. Furthermore, it leads to low oxygen levels in the bloodstream. 

  • Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease and there is a formation of thick, sticky mucus. Furthermore, it causes difficulty in breathing, respiratory damage, and chronic digestive system diseases. 

  • Lung cancer

The cancer cells in the lungs grow into masses or tumours. These can be of two types: small cell and non-small cell lung cancers. Cigarette smokers have high precedence of developing lung cancer. You may experience symptoms like wheezing, coughing, blood in sputum, weakness, hoarseness, chest pain, and infections. Talk to a chest specialist in Jammu about the symptoms you are experiencing or book an online doctor consultation. 

  • Pulmonary hypertension

Pulmonary hypertension is a condition in which you have increased blood pressure in your pulmonary arteries. This condition can be a result of hypoxia, lung diseases and heart diseases. The first symptom you will experience is shortness of breath during your routine activities. Furthermore, you may notice symptoms like chest pain, dizziness, fainting, fatigue and swelling in your ankles and legs.

  • Sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease that affects the lung, lymph glands and other organs. This inflammation leads to the development of abnormal tissue masses, which affect the normal structure and change the functions of affected organs. As a result, you may notice symptoms like cough, pressure in the chest and shortness of breath. 

  • Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease and can lead to life-threatening complications if not treated properly. Moreover, it is a bacterial infection that not only affects the lungs but also the kidneys, spine, and brain. If you are infected and showing symptoms, you have active TB. On the other hand, if you are infected and showing no symptoms, you have latent TB. 

A pulmonologist will work with you extensively to treat and help you to manage your condition. Book an online doctor consultation with a chest specialist in Jammu to embark on a better life with a respiratory condition.