Specialty2 min read
Pulmonology
A pulmonologist specializes in respiratory tract disorders.
MedlinePlus describes the pulmonologist as specialising in respiratory system disorders. The NHLBI lists the lung conditions treated: asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pneumonia, pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary hypertension, sleep apnoea, cystic fibrosis and others. On this site, the pages on asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are linked to it.
Treatments mentioned by the NHLBI include: oxygen therapy, pulmonary rehabilitation (exercise, education and breathing techniques), thoracentesis, tracheostomy and lung transplant. This page does not cover test details such as spirometry.
In one minute123
- What is it?
- A specialty in diseases of the lungs and respiratory system.
- Who is usually affected?
- People with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or other lung diseases.
- Acute or chronic?
- Long-term follow-up in chronic diseases.
- Main symptoms
- Shortness of breath, cough, wheeze (depending on the condition).
- Red flags?
- Not directly applicable; see the disease pages.
- Preventable?
- Depends on the condition.
What is it?
Pulmonologist: a specialist in "respiratory system disorders" (MedlinePlus).
Conditions it covers
The conditions linked to it on this site: asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The organ: the lungs and the respiratory system.
The NHLBI lists the lung conditions treated: asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pneumonia, pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary hypertension, sleep apnoea, cystic fibrosis, sarcoidosis, respiratory failure and pleural diseases.
Common tests and procedures
Treatments mentioned by the NHLBI: oxygen therapy, pulmonary rehabilitation (a supervised programme that includes physical training, education and breathing techniques), thoracentesis to draw off excess fluid, tracheostomy and lung transplant. This is a general list and not a treatment plan.
When to see one
Referral to the specialist is usually decided by the primary care provider according to the condition (MedlinePlus).
Common questions
Does every asthma patient need a chest specialist?
Not necessarily; the doctor decides on referral according to the condition (MedlinePlus).1
Questions for your doctor
- Do I need chest specialist follow-up?
- Do I need pulmonary rehabilitation?
- What signs of worsening call for review?
References
- 1MedlinePlus. Types of health care providers. medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001933.htmHealth agencies & guidelines · Accessed 2026-10-06
- 2NHLBI. Lung Disease Treatments. www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/lung-treatmentsHealth agencies & guidelines · Accessed 2026-10-06
- 3American Board of Medical Specialties. Specialty and Subspecialty Certificates. www.abms.org/member-boards/specialty-subspecialty-certificates/Educational & historical references · Accessed 2026-10-06
Review status: Edited content · Last updated:
Change log
- — Page created.
Educational content only — no diagnosis, and no substitute for a clinician.