A chest specialist or a pulmonologist is a doctor who deals with diseases relating to the respiratory system. Pulmonologists treat various diseases like COPD, asthma, lung infections etc. If you experience any issues relating to your lungs or nose, you can visit a pulmonologist for treatment.
Lung diseases can be quite severe if left untreated, so it’s very important to visit a chest specialist in Jammu if you experience any lung issues. Your general physician may refer you to a pulmonologist if you have any of the following issues.
- Persistent cough
Coughing is normal if you have a cold, but if it persists for a few days and start to cause pain and irritation in your lungs and throat, you should see a chest specialist in Jammu. A severe cough can be a sign of a respiratory infection or even lung cancer. If left untreated, the infection can spread to the lungs and cause severe issues.
The pulmonologist may order a few tests like a lung volume test, spirometry, sputum tests etc., to determine the cause of the persistent cough. He may recommend oral medications for the problem.
- Shortness of breath
If you run out of breath very easily, it indicates a problem in your lungs or even your heart. If you run out of breath while doing your daily activities, you should immediately see a chest specialist in Jammu figure out the issue.
The doctor will take a detailed history and order a few tests like a chest X-ray to determine the cause of your problem.
- Asthma
When your airways constrict due to inflammation and excess mucous, breathing can become quite hard. This condition is commonly called asthma. If you have been diagnosed with asthma by your general physician, he will refer you to a pulmonologist for further check-ups.
Asthma is a chronic condition, so a chest specialist in Jammu will suggest you take inhalers for managing the condition. He may also suggest medications.
- Breathing issues along with leg swelling
Pulmonary oedema is a serious condition where fluids accumulate in the lungs. Certain heart conditions, exposure to certain toxins, and being in high altitudes can trigger this reaction. If you notice swelling in your foot or legs accompanied by a breathing issue, you should immediately contact a chest specialist in Jammu.
The doctor will immediately give you medications to bring down the swelling and perform tests to find out the cause. If it’s caused due to an underlying heart condition, the pulmonologist will refer you to a cardiologist for further treatment.
In conclusion
If you have been a long-time smoker, developing a lung disease becomes much more likely. So, if you have any of these symptoms, it’s best to see a pulmonologist as soon as possible. If the chest specialist thinks that the problem may be related to your heart, he will refer you to a cardiologist for further investigation and treatment.
Find the best chest specialists in Jammu from the Bajaj Finserv Health website today.