PULMONARY MEDICINE
Pulmonary medicine deals with many diseases and conditions, including:
- ARDS (acute respiratory distress syndrome),
- Asthma,
- COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease),
- Cystic fibrosis,
- Interstitial lung disease,
- Lung cancer,
- Occupational lung disease,
- Pulmonary hypertension,
- Pulmonary tuberculosis,
- Sarcoidosis of the lungs,
- SARS(severe acute respiratory syndrome).
Pulmonary medicine is also sometimes called pulmonology which is the science concerned with the anatomy, physiology, and pathology of the lungs.
Diagnostics include:
Arterial Blood Gases (ABGs): ABGs can show how well your lungs are getting oxygen into your blood. For this test, a sample of blood is drawn from an artery, usually in the wrist area (Available)
Spirometry: Usually done first. This test shows how quickly your lungs move air in and out and how much air they can move in and out. (Soon to start)
Gas diffusion: Is a test that shows how well oxygen and other gases cross your lung's air sacs each minute. For this test, a small finger prick is done to collect a few drops of blood.
Note: Blood collection is not usually done for children unless ordered by your doctor. (Soon to start)
Plethysmography: Is a test that measures pressure and air flow in your lungs. For this test, you sit inside a clear "booth" and breathe through a mouthpiece while pressure and air flow measurements are collected. (Soon to start)
