What is Pulmonary Medicine

Pulmonary medicine, also known as pulmonology, is a specialized discipline within internal medicine focused on the comprehensive evaluation and treatment of diseases affecting the respiratory system. This includes the lungs, airways, pleura, and the muscles and structures that support breathing. Pulmonologists diagnose and manage a wide range of respiratory disorders, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, bronchitis, pulmonary fibrosis, interstitial lung disease, and occupational lung diseases. The specialty also includes care for patients with rare or complex lung conditions like sarcoidosis and cystic fibrosis. Pulmonologists often treat patients with persistent respiratory symptoms—such as chronic cough, shortness of breath, or unexplained chest discomfort—and are vital in the early detection and long-term management of chronic lung disease.

A cornerstone of pulmonary medicine is the use of advanced diagnostic and therapeutic techniques to assess and improve lung health. Pulmonologists utilize a variety of tools, including pulmonary function tests (PFTs) to measure lung capacity and airflow, imaging studies such as high-resolution computed tomography (CT) scans to visualize lung structure, and bronchoscopy to directly examine the airways and collect tissue samples. They also conduct sleep studies to diagnose and treat sleep-related breathing disorders like obstructive sleep apnea. Treatment regimens are tailored to each patient and may involve inhaled or systemic medications, long-term oxygen therapy, non-invasive ventilation, and enrollment in structured pulmonary rehabilitation programs. In hospital settings, pulmonologists frequently care for critically ill patients in intensive care units (ICUs), managing conditions such as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), respiratory failure, and complications related to ventilator use.

Beyond clinical practice, pulmonary medicine encompasses prevention, education, research, and public health initiatives aimed at reducing the global burden of respiratory disease. Pulmonologists play an essential role in promoting smoking cessation, monitoring air quality impacts on health, and advancing vaccination efforts against respiratory pathogens such as influenza, RSV, and COVID-19. The field is also at the forefront of research on emerging lung diseases, the development of precision medicine for respiratory conditions, and innovations in minimally invasive procedures and biologic therapies. As respiratory diseases remain among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, pulmonary medicine continues to evolve, integrating technology and interdisciplinary collaboration to deliver high-quality, patient-centered care.