Pulmonology
Pulmonology, a subspecialty of internal medicine, is the branch of medicine that focuses on diseases of the lungs and bronchial tubes, including the upper respiratory tract (nose, pharynx and throat) and the heart. Pulmonologists, who diagnosis and treat patients with lung conditions and diseases, focus on the breathing process and getting oxygen into and out of the body.
Conditions treated include:
- Asthma
- Bronchitis
- COPD
- Emphysema
- Lung nodules/masses
- Pleural effusions
- Pneumonia
- Pulmonary emboli
- Pulmonary fibrosis
- Pulmonary hypertension
- Sleep apnea
- Sleep disorders
Several of the pulmonologists at Lutheran Health Physicians are also board-certified sleep specialists and are diplomats of the American Board of Sleep Medicine. These physicians diagnose all types of sleep disorders, from sleep apnea and narcolepsy to insomnia and shift-work sleep problems, and they also work with vendors to ensure sleep-aid products fit patients properly and are comfortable and compliant. Sleep studies are scheduled within days of receipt of a physician's referral.