General Introduction
A pulmonologist works with patients facing severe or chronic respiratory problems. Although family doctors can cope with mild or short-term conditions, such as those caused by a cold or respiratory infection, they must first be examined by a pulmonologist to diagnose, treat and manage more complex diseases that affect the lungs.
If you’re dealing with a respiratory illness, accurate diagnosis is the first step. A pulmonologist uses procedures such as spirometry, blood tests, chest x-rays, CT scans, bronchoscopy, and sleep studies to diagnose chronic lung disease.
Your pulmonologist may ask you to repeat these tests, even if you have already completed them to confirm the results.
Pulmonologists conduct examinations and tests to help determine a lung-related diagnosis.
These include:
CT scan
Chest Fluoroscopy
Chest Ultrasound
Lobectomy
Pleural Biopsy
Pulmonary function test
Pulse oximetry test
Transplantation
Thoracentesis
Bronchoscopy
Sleep Study
What are Chest Diseases in Adults?
Diseases from different groups are included in the area of interest of Chest Diseases:
Lung infections: pneumonia (pneumonia), acute bronchitis, tuberculosis (tuberculosis) etc.
Chronic diseases involving the airways: asthma, COPD, bronchiectasis, cystic fibrosis, etc.
Lung cancer
Diseases that disrupt the lung tissue: interstitial lung diseases, sarcoidosis, etc.
Occupational and environmental lung diseases: silicosis, pneumoconiosis, etc.
Diseases involving the lung vessels: pulmonary embolism, pulmonary hypertension, etc.
Pulmonary diseases: pleurisy, pleural effusion, mesothelioma, etc.
Sleep apnea
Chest physicians evaluate radiological (imaging), spirometric (measurement of respiratory capacity and functions) and bronchoscopic examinations for these diseases when necessary.
Approaches such as drugs, respiratory physiotherapy, smoking cessation are used in treatment. Ainst pneumonia and meningitis caused by pneumococcal bacteria. Your doctor can tell you which one might be better.
Prevnar 13 is effective against 13 types of pneumococcal bacteria. Recommended for the following groups:
Children under 2 years old
Adults aged 65 and over
People aged 2 to 64 years with chronic conditions that increase the risk of pneumonia
Pneumovax 23 is effective against 23 types of pneumococcal bacteria. Recommended for the following groups:
Adults aged 65 and over
Smoking adults aged 19-64
People aged 2 to 64 years with chronic conditions that increase the risk of pneumonia