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What a pulmonologist does

A pulmonologist is a doctor who diagnoses and treats diseases of the lungs and airways. After MBBS, training is an MD in Pulmonary Medicine, a DTCD/DNB in Respiratory Medicine, or an MD in Medicine followed by a DM in Pulmonology. Many also manage critical care, sleep disorders and TB.

Air pollution, smoking, indoor cooking smoke and tuberculosis make lung disease very common in India. A persistent cough or breathlessness should not be ignored or treated repeatedly with over-the-counter medicines.

When to see a lung specialist

• A cough lasting more than two to three weeks, or coughing blood — TB must be excluded.
• Wheeze, chest tightness or breathlessness, especially at night or on exertion.
• Recurrent chest infections or pneumonia.
• Heavy snoring with daytime sleepiness or pauses in breathing.
• Smokers, or exposure to dust, chemicals or biomass smoke.

Severe breathlessness, blue lips or chest pain with breathlessness need emergency care.

Conditions treated

Asthma, COPD, pneumonia, tuberculosis, bronchiectasis, interstitial lung disease, pleural effusion, pulmonary embolism, lung nodules and cancer, sleep apnoea, post-COVID lung problems and allergic respiratory disease.

Tests

Common tests are a chest X-ray, spirometry (PFT), CT scan of the chest, sputum AFB and CBNAAT, CBC, total IgE and eosinophil count, oxygen saturation and sleep studies. Bronchoscopy may be advised in some cases. Inhalers, when used with a good technique, are the mainstay of asthma and COPD treatment.

Fees

Pulmonologist consultation fees commonly range from about ₹500 to ₹1,500 and may vary. Tests such as PFT and CT are charged separately.

Tips

Quit smoking, avoid pollution on bad air days, use a mask in dusty environments, get influenza and pneumococcal vaccines when advised, and learn proper inhaler technique. TB treatment is free under the national programme. Compare pulmonologists and book on Lab Dekho.

Trusted References

This guide is original content informed by recognised medical and public-health sources. For further reading:

• NABH – hospital accreditation standards
• NABL – laboratory accreditation
• Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY
• Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
• Mayo Clinic – Patient care & health information
• Cleveland Clinic – Health Library
• WebMD – Health A–Z

Disclaimer: This guide is for general information and does not replace advice from a qualified doctor. Costs and fees are approximate and vary by provider. Institution names are given for orientation only; check current services and timings directly. In an emergency, call 108 or 112.