Pulmonology facts for kids
Schematic view of the human respiratory system with their parts and functions.
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| System | Respiratory |
|---|---|
| Significant diseases | Asthma, Lung Cancer, Tuberculosis, Occupational lung disease |
| Significant tests | Bronchoscopy, Sputum studies, Arterial blood gases |
| Specialist | Respiratory Physician, Pulmonologist |
Pulmonology is a special area of medicine. It focuses on your lungs and the respiratory system. This system helps you breathe. Doctors who work in pulmonology are called pulmonologists. They are experts in keeping your lungs healthy. Pulmonologists also work with respiratory therapists. These therapists help people learn about their lungs and how to keep them strong.
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What is Pulmonology?
Pulmonology is the study of the lungs and the parts of your body that help you breathe. Your lungs are super important. They take in oxygen from the air you breathe. Oxygen is what your body needs to work and grow. Your lungs also get rid of carbon dioxide. This is a waste gas your body doesn't need.
What Do Pulmonologists Do?
Pulmonologists are like detectives for your lungs. They find out what might be wrong when someone has trouble breathing. They also treat many different lung problems. Their main goal is to help people breathe easier and live healthier lives.
Common Lung Conditions
Pulmonologists treat many conditions that affect your breathing.
- Asthma: This is a common condition. It makes your airways narrow and swollen. This can make it hard to breathe. Pulmonologists help people manage their asthma. They teach them how to use special medicines.
- Pneumonia: This is an infection in your lungs. It can make you cough and feel very sick. Pulmonologists help treat pneumonia with medicines.
- Bronchitis: This happens when the tubes that carry air to your lungs get swollen. It can cause a cough.
- Cystic Fibrosis: This is a genetic disease. It causes thick mucus to build up in the lungs. Pulmonologists help manage this condition.
- Lung Cancer: This is a serious disease. It happens when cells in the lungs grow out of control. Pulmonologists work with other doctors to treat lung cancer.
- Sleep Apnea: This is a condition where a person stops breathing for short periods during sleep. Pulmonologists can help diagnose and treat this.
How Do They Check Your Lungs?
Pulmonologists use many tools to check your lungs.
- They might listen to your breathing with a stethoscope.
- They can use X-rays or CT scans to see inside your lungs.
- They often do breathing tests. These tests measure how much air your lungs can hold. They also check how fast you can breathe air out.
- Sometimes, they might use a special camera. This camera goes into your airways to look closely. This is called a bronchoscopy.
Where Do Pulmonologists Work?
Pulmonologists work in different places.
- Hospitals: They often work in hospitals. Here, they help people with serious lung problems. They might see patients in the emergency room. They also visit patients staying in the hospital.
- Clinics: Many pulmonologists have their own offices. These are like regular doctor's offices. People go there for check-ups and ongoing care.
Keeping Your Lungs Healthy
You can do many things to keep your lungs healthy.
- Exercise regularly: Being active helps your lungs work better.
- Avoid smoking: Smoking is very harmful to your lungs. It can cause many serious diseases.
- Breathe clean air: Try to avoid places with a lot of pollution or smoke.
- Wash your hands: This helps prevent infections that can affect your lungs.
- Get vaccinated: Vaccines can protect you from illnesses like the flu. These can harm your lungs.
See Also
In Spanish: Neumología para niños
