When Should You See a Pulmonologist, and What Conditions Do They Treat?

Question

For the past few months, I’ve been having trouble breathing, chest tightness, and frequent coughing, especially in the mornings. I assumed it was just seasonal allergies, but my symptoms haven’t gone away. A friend suggested that I see a pulmonologist, but I don’t fully understand what they do and when you should see one.

From what I’ve read, a pulmonologist specializes in lung and respiratory conditions. But how do I know if my symptoms are serious enough to need a specialist instead of a regular doctor? Do they only treat severe conditions like COPD, asthma, or lung infections, or can they help with milder issues like chronic coughing and shortness of breath?

I also want to know how a pulmonologist diagnoses lung problems. What kind of tests do they do? I’ve heard of spirometry, chest X-rays, and lung function tests, but are these necessary for every patient?

Does Ayurveda offer any natural ways to improve lung health and respiratory function? I’ve read that herbs like vasaka, tulsi, and licorice can help strengthen the lungs—do they actually work?

If anyone has seen a pulmonologist, I’d love to hear about your experience. What symptoms led you to see one, and what kind of treatment did they recommend?

Dr. Harsha Joy · Accepted Answer

A pulmonologist is a specialist who focuses on diagnosing and treating conditions related to the lungs and respiratory system, such as asthma, COPD, chronic coughing, and infections. If you’ve been experiencing persistent symptoms like breathing difficulties, chest tightness, and coughing that don’t improve with typical treatments, it may be time to see a pulmonologist. They can help with both severe conditions as well as milder, chronic issues like yours. A pulmonologist will evaluate your symptoms, perform tests like spirometry (measuring lung function), chest X-rays, or even CT scans, depending on your situation, to get a clearer picture of what's going on. These tests may not be necessary for every patient but are commonly used for accurate diagnosis. Ayurveda does offer natural remedies to support lung health—herbs like vasaka (Malabar nut), tulsi (holy basil), and licorice are known for their anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties, which may help in easing respiratory discomfort and strengthening lung function. However, while they can complement treatment, they shouldn’t replace a professional diagnosis, especially if your symptoms are persistent or worsening. Seeing a pulmonologist would be a good step to ensure you receive the most accurate diagnosis and appropriate care for your condition.

When Should You See a Pulmonologist, and What Conditions Do They Treat? - #15187

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