pulmonologist
4 synonyms for pulmonologist, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A doctor who specialises in the lungs and airways, treating conditions such as asthma, COPD, pneumonia, lung cancer and sleep apnoea.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use pulmonologist
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
see a pulmonologist
referred to a pulmonologist
pediatric pulmonologist
pulmonologist appointment
American English. In the UK the same doctor is called a respiratory physician or respiratory consultant; in Canada, a respirologist.
Etymology
From Latin pulmo "lung" combined with the Greek-derived ending -ologist "one who studies".
Full origin of pulmonologist →Frequently asked questions
What does a pulmonologist do?
They diagnose and treat diseases of the lungs and breathing, including asthma, COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, tuberculosis, lung cancer and sleep-related breathing disorders. They interpret lung function tests and chest imaging, and often perform bronchoscopy.
What is the difference between a pulmonologist and a respiratory therapist?
A pulmonologist is a qualified doctor who diagnoses lung disease and prescribes treatment. A respiratory therapist is a trained clinician who delivers that treatment, managing ventilators, oxygen and breathing therapies, usually under a doctor's direction.
When should you see a pulmonologist?
Typically when breathlessness, a cough or wheezing has lasted for weeks, when asthma or COPD is not controlled by usual treatment, after an abnormal chest X-ray, or for suspected sleep apnoea. In most systems you need a referral from a GP or primary care doctor first.
