The pulmonary system affects the functionality of the lungs. There are a variety of conditions that would require the care of a pulmonary specialist. While this can be a scary time for the patient and their loved ones, all involved can rest assured that pulmonologists are certified and specially trained. According to HealthCommunities, “Pulmonology is classified as an internal medicine subspecialty. Because of the variety of clinical problems encountered, knowledge of internal medicine and other specialties is required in order to obtain certification.”
Now that we know what a pulmonologist is, let’s discuss what type of patient would be best suited for pulmonary specialty care. The American Lung Association notes that, “A pulmonologist works with patients facing serious or chronic breathing problems. Some of these doctors focus on certain diseases, like asthma, pulmonary fibrosis and COPD, while others treat unique demographics, like pediatric patients or geriatric patients.” A wide variety of patients can make use of pulmonary care and the best first step is to consult your primary care provider to determine if one may be right for you.
There are a variety of care plans that a pulmonologist may place you or your loved one on depending on the symptoms and diseases present. For example, some procedures a pulmonologist may conduct include spirometry, bloodwork, chest X-rays, CT scans, bronchoscopies. There are also a variety of ventilation management techniques available for those who may need that extra assistance with breathing who cannot do so themselves. Whatever the procedure may be, the pulmonology care unit will consist of highly skilled and trained professionals readily available to answer any questions you or your loved one may have.
If you’re having any unusual symptoms, you should meet with your primary care doctor. They will perform a medical exam and assess your overall condition. They may refer you to a pulmonologist if you:
- difficulty breathing
- a persistent cough
- smoke
- unexplained weight loss
- trouble exercising or performing activities of daily living (ADLs) due to breathing problems
At Spring Hills Senior Communities, our post-acute care team consists of trained and certified pulmonary care specialists as part of our ever-expanding continuum of care and services. We aim to exceed the expectations of those we serve and their loved ones by providing a true sense of caring with a commitment to quality. To learn more about our Signature Touch programs and other services we provide, contact us.