Pulmonology

The Pulmonology is a branch of internal medicine that deals with the research, treatment and healing of diseases of the lungs and bronchi. Translated, the word also means "pulmonary medicine".

What is pulmonology?

The term Pulmonology (also called pneumonology or Pulmonology known) describes a branch of human medicine, more precisely internal medicine.

The tasks of specialists called pulmonologists include the diagnosis and treatment / healing of a wide variety of lung and bronchial diseases. The prevention of the same (e.g. by helping patients to quit smoking) also falls within the scope of this specialist area. In the context of pneumology, a wide variety of examination and treatment methods are used on an outpatient or inpatient basis in the clinic.

There are around 800 pulmonologists in Germany, most of whom work in their own practices. Some of the specialists are also employed in clinics or research centers. There is the option of specializing in allergology or thoracic surgery, for example.

Treatments & therapies

The field of Pulmonology deals with a variety of damage and diseases of the lungs, bronchi and pleura (pleura).

Prevention (prophylaxis), research and diagnosis as well as treatment and follow-up care for these diseases are the responsibility of the specialist physicians responsible. Common diseases that occur during a pneumological examination and treatment include, for example, pneumonia, tuberculosis, cystic fibrosis and pulmonary embolism.

Pneumologists also treat diseases that primarily affect the bronchi. These include bronchial asthma or acute or chronic bronchitis. Both areas (lungs and bronchi) are often affected when a disease occurs in this area of ​​the body. Cancer diseases such as bronchial carcinoma (colloquially known as lung cancer) also fall under the responsibility of trained pulmonologists.

The area of ​​responsibility often overlaps with those of radiology and / or oncology. Thoracic surgery may also be used if a lung disease is diagnosed. However, these areas do not count as sub-areas of pulmonology, but should be viewed as independent medical areas. Pulmonologists are also called in more and more frequently when allergic reactions of the respiratory tract occur, because these can lead to asthma or similar diseases over time.

Another area of ​​application for trained pulmonologists is the so-called sleep apnea syndrome, in which breathing stops at night. In clinics, pulmonologists are also called in when patients need intensive medical ventilation.

Diagnosis & examination methods

In the field of Pulmonology Very different examination and treatment methods are used. If there is a suspicion of a lung disease, imaging examinations are usually first used in order to be able to detect any damage.

To do this, the lungs are examined using X-rays or ultrasound. Computed tomography for the lung area is also possible. A so-called lung function test can be carried out to determine whether the lungs are not functioning properly. There are various methods here, such as testing the respiratory rate or lung volume and thus finding out whether the values ​​correspond to the norm.

In addition, blood tests and tissue samples can be taken (for example if cancer is suspected). A bronchoscopy (lung specimen) can also be used to identify possible changes within the organ. Once a diagnosis has been made, the attending physician initiates appropriate therapy. This depends entirely on the type of illness. For example, if you have pneumonia, drugs such as antibiotics are given to clear the pathogen.

Diseases such as asthma or allergic reactions that affect the airways can also be treated with medication. Asthma medication or a cortisone spray, for example, which make breathing easier if acute breathing difficulties arise, are ideal.

A tumor in the lungs is treated with chemotherapy, possibly combined with radiation. Surgical intervention is also possible to remove the tumor. If the lungs are irreparably damaged or if very large parts have to be removed, a lung transplant is also conceivable, provided a suitable donor organ is available.