noun

pulmonologist

pul-muh-NOL-uh-jist

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Pulmonologist (noun) means a doctor who specialises in the lungs and airways, treating conditions such as asthma, COPD, pneumonia, lung cancer and sleep apnoea. Example: “Her GP referred her to a pulmonologist after the third chest infection.”

noun

A doctor who specialises in the lungs and airways, treating conditions such as asthma, COPD, pneumonia, lung cancer and sleep apnoea.

"Her GP referred her to a pulmonologist after the third chest infection."

"The pulmonologist ordered lung function tests and a CT scan."

How to use pulmonologist

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA doctor who specialises in treating problems with the lungs and breathing.

When to use it

American English. In the UK the same doctor is called a respiratory physician or respiratory consultant; in Canada, a respirologist.

Memory tip

The specialty itself is pulmonology; the British equivalent term is respiratory medicine.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

pulmonologist vs cardiologist pulmonologist vs respiratory therapist pulmonologist vs allergist

Common pairings

see a pulmonologist referred to a pulmonologist pediatric pulmonologist pulmonologist appointment

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Her GP referred her to a _____ after the third chest infection.

Etymology

From Latin pulmo "lung" combined with the Greek-derived ending -ologist "one who studies".

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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respiratory physician chest physician lung specialist respirologist

Related words

respirologist

Rhymes for pulmonologist

geologist zoologist biologist urologist oncologist genealogist radiologist neurologist pathologist seismologist psychologist cardiologist

See all rhymes for 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.

What is the meaning of pulmonologist?

"pulmonologist" (noun) means a doctor who specialises in the lungs and airways, treating conditions such as asthma, COPD, pneumonia, lung cancer and sleep apnoea.

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