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Who is a pulmonologist?

A pulmonologist, also known as a lung specialist or chest doctor, is a medical professional who has expertise in diagnosing and treating an array of lung disorders. The respiratory system, which comprises the lungs, nose, throat, trachea, airways, muscles, and blood vessels, is the primary area of focus for a pulmonologist. Using specialized equipment and knowledge, pulmonologists diagnose and treat respiratory illnesses, helping patients breathe more comfortably and improving their overall quality of life.

Education and training of a pulmonologist

Becoming a pulmonologist involves a specific educational and training path. Initially, one must earn a bachelor’s degree and then pass the Medical College Admissions Test to gain admission to medical school, which typically takes about four years to complete. 

Pulmonary medicine, a subspecialty of internal medicine, requires a three-year internal medicine residency program and then an additional two-year fellowship specifically focused on pulmonary disease. Completion of these requirements is necessary to become board-certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine. 

For those aspiring to be board-certified in pulmonary disease and critical care, an additional three-year fellowship covering both areas is required. Certification in both fields can be granted by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Critical care involves the management of severely ill patients in intensive care units, necessitating expertise in various illnesses, treatment devices, prognosis estimation, and end-of-life care decisions.

What are the subspecialties that fall under pulmonology?

Pulmonology includes several subspecialties that focus on specific aspects of lung health. One of these is interstitial lung disease, a category of conditions affecting the tissues and spaces within the lungs. Another area of focus is interventional pulmonology, which involves providing multidisciplinary care for airway disorders, lung cancer, and pleural diseases that affect the membranes surrounding the lungs. 

Pulmonologists also specialize in lung transplantation, including managing patients before and after surgery. Neuromuscular disorders resulting in respiratory muscle failure are also within the scope of pulmonology. Additionally, pulmonologists diagnose and treat obstructive lung diseases, which involve narrowing or obstruction of the airway, as well as sleep-disordered breathing, which includes a wide spectrum of sleep-related conditions, such as heavy snoring, hypopnea, and apnea.

How do pulmonologists diagnose lung disorders?

When you visit a pulmonologist near you, they will use various exams and tests to help diagnose any lung-related issues you may be experiencing. These include: 

• A CT scan that provides a detailed view of the chest’s internal structures, including muscles, bones, organs, fat, and blood vessels.
• An ultrasound is used to examine the organs and other structures located in the chest.
• A pulmonary function test is conducted to determine the efficiency of your lungs.
• A pulse oximetry test determines the oxygen saturation level in your blood.
• A pleural biopsy involves the removal of a small tissue sample from the pleura.
• A bronchoscopy is performed to examine the airway for any issues in the windpipe, lower airways, throat, or voice box.
• A sleep study is a diagnostic test to identify sleep disorders like sleep apnea.

These exams and tests allow pulmonologists to understand your condition better and provide appropriate treatment.

Cardiologist vs. pulmonologist 

Cardiologists and pulmonologists are medical specialists with different areas of expertise. Cardiologists specialize in heart and blood vessel health, helping patients prevent or manage heart-related conditions, including high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation, heart failure, cardiomyopathy, and heart attacks. In contrast, pulmonologists specialize in treating lung conditions, including those affecting the nose, throat, trachea, and airways. They commonly treat asthma, bronchitis, sleep apnea, COPD, emphysema, and other lung diseases.

When patients present with symptoms of underlying heart and/or lung conditions, primary care physicians often refer them to one or both of these specialists. Despite their different areas of focus, it is common for cardiologists and pulmonologists to collaborate in diagnosing and treating patients. This collaboration is essential because heart and lung conditions can mimic each other, and issues in one organ system can affect the other. Therefore, effective treatment often requires the coordinated efforts of both specialists.

How to find an experienced pulmonologist near you in Houston, TX?

Are you experiencing a persistent cough or shortness of breath that isn't improving? If so, a good pulmonologist can help you provide the best treatment to help you out. With Zocdoc, you can easily find the best pulmonologist in Houston who accepts your insurance plan. 

Perform a search mentioning your location (Houston, Texas), doctor specialty (pulmonologist), insurance plan, and desired appointment date. A comprehensive list of medical and healthcare professionals will appear based on your search criteria. If you need help with your insurance plan, use the Zocdoc insurance detector. 

At Zocdoc, transparency is of utmost value. Hence, each pulmonologist’s profile will include a brief introduction, educational qualifications, practice location, visit reasons, and, most importantly, patient reviews and ratings. 

Additionally, you can also filter out your results by gender if you are looking for a preferred gender pulmonologist in Houston. Video appointments with the top-rated pulmonologist near you are also available before an in-person visit. You can book one by looking for a purple video icon on a pulmonologist’s profile or filtering the video appointment selection. 

Zocdoc makes booking an appointment 100% easy, safe, and secure!

Lung disorder statistics in Houston, TX

According to a report by the Conduent Healthy Communities Institute, in 2021, the adult asthma rate in Harris County (Houston) was approximately 7%, which is lower than the overall rate of 8.4% in Texas. A 2020 survey conducted by the Texas Department of State Health Services reported that nearly 492,000 children in Texas, or almost 7%, had asthma.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2021 reported that the prevalence rate of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) among adults in Harris County was approximately 6.0% or 6.1%, slightly lower than the overall rate of 6.4% in the United States. 

According to the American Cancer Society, Texas is estimated to have 14,430 new cases of lung and bronchus cancer, 4,160 cases of oral cavity and pharynx cancer, 3,670 cases of thyroid cancer, and 920 cases of larynx cancer in 2024. The National Cancer Institute estimated the incidence rate of lung and bronchus cancer in Texas to be around 46.5 cases per 100,000. In Harris County, there were approximately 42.7 cases between 2016 and 2020, representing a decrease of approximately 3.7% in the incidence rate during the same period. 

Sources

American Cancer Society

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Cleveland Clinic

Conduent Healthy Communities Institute[1]

Conduent Healthy Communities Institute[2]

Healthline

National Cancer Institute

Physicians Alliance of Connecticut 

Texas Department of State Health Services

WebMD

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 immediately.