Question 1

Who is a Pulmonologist?

Accepted Answer

A pulmonologist is a doctor who specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the lungs, airways and breathing, including asthma, COPD, tuberculosis, lung infections and sleep-related breathing disorders.

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Question 2

When should I consult a Pulmonologist?

Accepted Answer

Consider a consultation if you have a cough lasting more than two to three weeks, breathlessness, wheezing, repeated chest infections, coughing up blood, loud snoring with daytime sleepiness, or chest symptoms that are not improving.

Question 3

What conditions does a Pulmonologist treat?

Accepted Answer

Common conditions include asthma, COPD, tuberculosis and drug-resistant TB, pneumonia and other lung infections, interstitial lung disease, pleural diseases, respiratory allergies, chronic cough and sleep apnea.

Question 4

Can a Pulmonologist treat asthma?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Asthma care includes confirming the diagnosis, identifying triggers, selecting suitable medication, teaching correct inhaler technique and reviewing control at follow-up visits.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of COPD?

Accepted Answer

COPD typically causes a long-standing cough, sputum production, increasing breathlessness during routine activity and frequent chest infections. Symptoms often develop gradually, so evaluation is advised if breathing capacity has reduced over time.

Question 6

When should chronic cough be evaluated?

Accepted Answer

A cough that lasts longer than three weeks, disturbs sleep, or is associated with blood, weight loss, fever or breathlessness should be evaluated by a doctor.

Question 7

What is PFT?

Accepted Answer

Pulmonary Function Testing measures how much air you can breathe in and out and how quickly. It supports the evaluation of conditions such as asthma and COPD and helps monitor lung health over time.

Question 8

What is sleep apnea?

Accepted Answer

Sleep apnea is a condition in which breathing repeatedly pauses during sleep. It is often associated with loud snoring, unrefreshing sleep and daytime sleepiness, and may need a sleep study for confirmation.

Question 9

Is snoring always harmless?

Accepted Answer

Not always. Occasional snoring is common, but loud habitual snoring with witnessed breathing pauses, morning headaches or daytime sleepiness may indicate sleep apnea and deserves medical evaluation.

Question 10

When does breathlessness require medical evaluation?

Accepted Answer

Seek evaluation if breathlessness is new, worsening, occurs at rest or at night, limits routine activity, or is accompanied by chest pain. Sudden severe breathlessness needs urgent medical attention.

Question 11

Can TB affect the lungs?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Tuberculosis most commonly affects the lungs, causing prolonged cough, fever, weight loss and night sweats. It is treatable, and timely diagnosis with complete treatment is important.

Question 12

What is the difference between a chest physician and a pulmonologist?

Accepted Answer

The terms are generally used interchangeably in India. Both refer to a specialist in respiratory medicine who diagnoses and treats diseases of the lungs and airways.

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