SC Connecticut News

Over 34 million individuals in the United States grapple with chronic lung disease, as per data from the American Lung Association. For many of these people, everyday tasks such as breathing can be a struggle. However, seeking the right specialist can significantly improve their quality of life by addressing respiratory conditions that impact daily living.

A pulmonologist is a medical professional who specializes in diagnosing and treating lung-related issues. They handle a variety of conditions including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchiectasis, pulmonary fibrosis, sarcoidosis, lung cancer, cystic fibrosis, pulmonary vascular disease, and obstructive sleep apnea. These specialists are also adept at identifying and evaluating causes of persistent coughing and shortness of breath.

The Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine within the Yale School of Medicine Department of Internal Medicine houses globally recognized experts in every subspecialty of respiratory medicine. These professionals employ the latest guidelines and research to assist patients in managing a wide range of lung conditions.

There are several instances when healthcare professionals may consider referring a patient to a pulmonologist:

1. If a patient experiences ongoing shortness of breath.

Geoffrey Chupp, MD, professor of medicine and director of the Yale Center for Asthma and Airways Disease emphasizes that determining the cause of breathing difficulties is crucial. “Shortness of breath has many causes and often hinders a person’s ability to live a normal life and exercise,” he said. “The condition can be a sign of asthma, COPD, long COVID or pulmonary hypertension.” A comprehensive evaluation encompassing physical exams, lung function testing, blood work and imaging is often required to identify the cause.

2. If a patient suffers from recurrent chest infections or persistent cough.

Patients with these symptoms may have underlying lung tissue abnormalities predisposing them to these symptoms according to Ashley Losier MD., assistant professor of medicine and director of the Yale Bronchiectasis and NTM Infections Program. A pulmonary expert can provide evaluation and management.

3. If an imaging test, such as a chest X-ray or CT scan, detects abnormalities in the lungs.

Lung nodules, often benign scars, can sometimes indicate the development of lung disease, chronic infection or cancer. A pulmonologist can help determine the cause.

4. If a patient has excessive sleepiness during the day or loud snoring at night.

These symptoms could indicate a sleep disorder like obstructive sleep apnea which can negatively impact cardiovascular and metabolic health. Pulmonologists can diagnose, evaluate and treat these problems to improve a patient's health and quality of life.

5. Patients with occluded or blocked blood vessels in the lung may need specialized care from a pulmonologist.

Pulmonologists play a crucial role in assessing, treating and managing patients with post-pulmonary embolism impairment according to Akhil Khosla MD., assistant professor of medicine and director of Yale New Haven Health’s Pulmonary Embolism Response Team.

Patients referred to Yale’s nationally ranked multidisciplinary pulmonary center receive comprehensive care including diagnostic tests, procedures and treatments informed by cutting-edge research. Naftali Kaminski MD., Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals Inc. Professor of Medicine and chief of Yale-PCCSM stated that their experts establish caring relationships with each patient while communicating promptly with referring physicians to ensure optimal outcomes.

The Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine is one among eleven sections within Yale School of Medicine’s Department of Internal Medicine. For more information about Yale-PCCSM, visit their website or follow them on Facebook and Twitter.