Search for Pulmonologists.

A pulmonologist is a physician who possesses specialized knowledge and skill in the diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary (lung) conditions and diseases. Sutter North's Pumonolgy Services treats patients who may be suffering from emphysema, asthma, chronic bronchitis, cough, abnormal chest x-rays or shortness of breath.

About lung disease
The most commonly diagnosed types of lung disease include emphysema, asthma, chronic bronchitis and bronchiectasis. Emphysema is a disease of the air sacs in the lungs, while asthma causes a person's airways to become hypersensitive to various irritants, resulting in inflammation and constriction of the airways. Chronic bronchitis involves an increased production of secretions in the bronchial tubes and persistent cough, and bronchiectasis is a structural distortion of the bronchial tubes, which obstructs breathing. Medication and a regular exercise program can ease the symptoms associated with lung disease, and proper nutrition can give the body the energy it needs to remain active.

Know the symptoms
Symptoms of pulmonary disease may include:

• Shortness of breath during everyday activities.


• Fatigue and feelings of tiredness.


• Coughing.


• Wheezing.

Repeated bronchial infections and increasingly slow recovery times.

The most frequent sign of emphysema and other types of lung disease is shortness of breath, but until symptoms become severe, the disease may remain undiagnosed until its advanced stages. Anyone who experiences these symptoms or has a history of smoking or lung disease should consult a physician, who may order a pulmonary function test to determine if disease is present. Early intervention is the key to living a quality life after chronic breathing problems are diagnosed. 

Limit your risk
Factors which exacerbate breathing problems and may increase your risk of developing lung disease include:

• Smoking.


• Inhaling chemicals.


• Inhaling insecticides and pesticides.

While asthma and a small percentage of emphysema cases are hereditary, smoking is the major cause of all types of lung disease.