By Edward Salerno, MD, Pulmonology Specialist at Millennium Physician Group
When breathing becomes difficult, so does living well. It’s estimated that more than 34 million Americans live with chronic lung conditions, and many more experience occasional breathing problems that interfere with their daily lives.
Whether it’s a lingering cough, sudden shortness of breath, or a chronic condition like asthma, pulmonary care can play a critical role in diagnosing, managing, and improving your lung health.
What is Pulmonary Care?
Pulmonology is a medical specialty that focuses on the respiratory system: the lungs, airways, and other structures that allow us to breathe. Pulmonologists are often referred to as “lung doctors,” and they complete years of specialized training to understand how the respiratory system works and how to diagnose and treat its many conditions.
Because many lung and heart conditions share similar symptoms, pulmonologists frequently work alongside cardiologists and other specialists to ensure an accurate diagnosis. A pulmonologist may focus on general
pulmonary medicine or on subspecialties like asthma, sleep disorders, or critical care. Some even specialize by age group, caring for pediatric or geriatric patients.
How Your Pulmonary System Works
Your pulmonary system – also known as the respiratory system – has two main jobs: to deliver oxygen from the air into your bloodstream and to remove carbon dioxide from your body.
When you inhale, air enters through your nose or mouth, travels down your trachea (also known as the windpipe), and moves into your lungs through branching airways. At the end of these airways are millions of tiny air sacs called alveoli, which transfer oxygen into your blood.
When you exhale, the process is reversed, with carbon dioxide moving out of your bloodstream, back through the alveoli and airways, leaving your body.
Because every cell in your body relies on this exchange, even small disruptions to your pulmonary system can have widespread effects on your health and quality of life.
Conditions Treated by Pulmonologists
Pulmonologists diagnose and manage a wide range of conditions. Some are acute, like pneumonia, while others are chronic or progressive, requiring lifelong care. Conditions commonly treated include:
• Asthma
• Bronchial disorders
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Cystic fibrosis
• Emphysema
• Interstitial lung disease
• Long COVID-related respiratory complications
• Lung cancer
• Occupational lung conditions (such as black lung
or silicosis)
• Pulmonary hypertension
• Sleep apnea
By identifying the root cause of your symptoms, a pulmonologist can create a treatment plan tailored to your condition that may include medication,
lifestyle changes, pulmonary rehabilitation, or
coordination with other specialties.
When Should You See a Pulmonologist?
Not every cough or episode of shortness of breath requires a specialist in lung care. Your primary care physician or an urgent care provider can often manage mild respiratory infections or allergies. However, if your symptoms persist, are severe, or remain unexplained, your healthcare provider may refer you to a pulmonologist. Common reasons for referral include:
• A cough lasting more than three weeks
• Shortness of breath, especially if it worsens
• Wheezing or chest tightness
• Recurrent chest infections or bronchitis
• Daytime sleepiness or loud, disruptive snoring
• Abnormal findings on imaging tests, such as lung nodules seen on a CT scan
In some cases, pulmonary issues can overlap with other health problems. For example, sleep-disordered breathing can increase the risk for heart disease and diabetes, while chronic lung conditions may contribute to fatigue, anxiety, or depression. Pulmonologists not only address the respiratory system but also help coordinate care to protect your overall health.
What to Expect from Pulmonary Care
If you’re referred to a pulmonologist, your first visit will include a thorough review of your medical history, physical exam, and diagnostic tests such as a breathing test, exercise test, and oxygen saturation testing. Once a diagnosis is made, your physician will work with you to create a personalized care plan. Many treatments focus on managing symptoms and improving day-to-day function.
Because lung conditions are so complex, ongoing care and follow-up appointments are important. Pulmonologists provide long-term care management, helping patients adapt their care plans as their health or lifestyle changes.
Pulmonary Care at Millennium Physician Group
If you’re concerned about your lung health, talk to your Millennium Physician Group primary care provider to see if a pulmonology referral is right for you. Our pulmonary specialists and internal medicine care providers work together to ensure our patients receive the best care when they need it. From evaluation to personalized care plans to ongoing support, our team helps you manage your health and improve your quality of life.
Attention Medicare-Eligible Patients: Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period runs from October 15 through December 7. This is the time each year to review your coverage and make any changes to your Medicare Advantage or Part D prescription drug plan. You can learn more at www.medicare.gov or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE.
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239.315.7123 | MillenniumPhysician.com
This information is intended for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical guidance, diagnosis or treatment. No physician-patient relationship is created by this or its use.