What is a pulmonologist?
A pulmonologist is a doctor who specializes in lung conditions. A pulmonologist diagnoses and treats diseases of the respiratory system. You might hear these healthcare providers called lung doctors, lung specialists, or chest doctors.

Your respiratory system includes your lungs, nose, throat, trachea, airways, muscles, and blood vessels.

What’s the difference between a cardiologist and a pulmonologist?
The difference is the area of specialization. The cardiologist is an expert on the heart, while the pulmonologist is an expert on the lungs. However, these areas of your body are closely linked and work better when your heart and lungs are healthy. If you have a disease like pulmonary hypertension, you may need to see both types of doctors since both the heart and the lungs are involved.

What conditions do pulmonologists treat?
Pulmonologists treat conditions of the respiratory system, especially the lungs. These conditions can be caused by inflammation, tissue overgrowth, or infections. Many of these illnesses may require long-term, even lifelong treatment plans. Your pulmonologist will work with your primary care doctor and other specialists on treatment plans.

Some illnesses treated or managed by pulmonologists include, but aren’t limited to:

Aspergillosis
Asthma.
Bronchiectasis.
Bronchitis.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
COVID-19.
Cystic fibrosis.
Emphysema.
Interstitial lung disease.
Lung cancer.
Pulmonary hypertension.
Sarcoidosis.
Sleep apnea.
Tuberculosis.
A pulmonologist can also treat occupation-related lung diseases like:

Asbestosis.
Chronic beryllium disease (berylliosis)
Coal workers’ pneumoconiosis (black lung disease).
Silicosis.
What does a pulmonologist do?
A pulmonologist can diagnose and treat diseases of the respiratory system. They might specialize in certain areas, like critical care, asthma, or sleep medicine. They might also specialize in treating children (a pediatric pulmonologist) or older people (a geriatric

Why would you need to see a pulmonologist?

If you have symptoms that your regular healthcare provider isn’t able to help you with, or if they think you would be better off seeing a specialist, they might refer you to a pulmonologist. Some of these signs and symptoms might include:

• A cough that doesn’t improve over time (chronic cough).
• Shortness of breath (dyspnea).
• Chest pain or tightness.
• Wheezing.
• Sleep apnea symptoms, like extreme tiredness or loud snoring.
• Dizziness.

If you’ve already been diagnosed with a respiratory condition, you may continue having scheduled appointments to manage your illness.