Pneumology is a branch of internal medicine that deals with the study, treatment and cure of diseases of the lungs and bronchi. Translated, the word accordingly also means “pulmonary medicine”.
What is pulmonology?
Pneumology is a branch of internal medicine that deals with the study, treatment and cure of diseases of the lungs and bronchi. The term pneumology (also known as pneumonology or pulmonology) refers to a branch of human medicine, more specifically internal medicine. The tasks of the specialists called pneumologists include the diagnosis and treatment / cure of various lung and bronchial diseases. The prevention of these diseases (for example, by helping patients to stop smoking) also falls within the scope of this specialty. Within the scope of pneumology, a wide variety of examination and treatment methods are used on an outpatient or inpatient basis in the clinic. There are about 800 pneumologists in Germany, most of whom work in their own practices. However, some of the specialists are also employed in clinics or research centers. It is possible within the specialty to specialize in allergology or thoracic surgery, for example.
Treatments and therapies
The specialty of pulmonology deals with a wide variety of damage and diseases of the lungs, bronchi and pleura. In this context, prevention (prophylaxis), research and diagnosis as well as treatment and aftercare of these diseases fall within the scope of the responsible medical specialists. Common diseases that arise during pneumological examination and treatment include pneumonia, tuberculosis, cystic fibrosis and pulmonary embolism. Diseases that primarily affect the bronchial tubes are also treated by pulmonologists. These include bronchial asthma and acute or chronic bronchitis. Often, both areas (lungs and bronchial tubes) are affected when a disease occurs in this region of the body. Cancers such as bronchial carcinoma (colloquially known as lung cancer) also fall under the purview of trained pulmonologists. Here, the area of responsibility not infrequently overlaps with those of radiology and/or oncology. Thoracic surgery may also be involved when lung disease has been identified. However, these areas do not count as subspecialties of pulmonology, but should be considered as separate medical fields. Increasingly, pulmonologists are also called in when allergic reactions of the respiratory tract occur, as these can also lead to asthma or similar conditions as they progress. Another area of use for trained pulmonologists is the so-called sleep apnea syndrome, in which breathing stops at night. In hospitals, pulmonologists are also called in, among other things, when patients need intensive care ventilation.
Diagnosis and examination methods
In the field of pneumology, very different examination and treatment methods are used. If lung disease is suspected, imaging examinations are usually used first to detect any damage. For this purpose, the lungs are examined using X-rays or ultrasound. Computer tomography of the lung area is also possible. If it is to be determined whether the lungs are limited in their function, a so-called lung function test can take place. Here there are various methods, such as testing the respiratory rate or lung volume to find out whether the values correspond to the norm. In addition, blood tests and the taking of tissue samples are possible (for example, if cancer is suspected). Bronchoscopy (lungoscopy) may also be used to detect possible changes within the organ. Once a diagnosis has been made, the attending physician initiates appropriate therapy. This depends entirely on the nature of the disease. In the case of pneumonia, for example, drugs such as antibiotics are administered to eliminate the pathogen. Diseases such as asthma or allergic reactions in which the airways are affected can also be treated with medication. Here, asthma medications or, for example, a cortisone spray can be used to facilitate breathing should acute respiratory problems occur.A tumor in the lung is treated with chemotherapy, possibly combined with radiation. Surgery is also possible to remove the tumor. If the lung is irreparably damaged or if very large parts have to be removed, a lung transplant is also a possibility, provided that a suitable donor organ is available.