Chest Physician Services focus on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of conditions affecting the respiratory system. The respiratory system includes:
- Mouth and nose
- Sinuses
- Pharynx (throat)
- Larynx (voice box)
- Trachea (windpipe)
- Bronchial tubes
- Lungs, bronchioles, and alveoli
- Diaphragm
What is a Chest Physician?
A Chest Physician is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases and disorders of the lungs and the entire respiratory system.
What Conditions Do Chest Physicians Treat?
Chest Physicians commonly manage and treat the following conditions:
- Asthma, which is the inflammation and narrowing of the airways.
- Bronchiectasis, which is the abnormal widening and damage of the main airway branches within the lungs.
- Interstitial lung disease, which is characterized by scarring of lung tissue.
- Occupational lung disease, which is due to inhalation of dust, chemicals, or other harmful substances.
- Tuberculosis, which is caused by a bacterial infection.
- Obstructive sleep apnea, which is characterised by pauses in breathing during sleep.
- Acute and chronic bronchitis, which is characterised by coughing and mucus production
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which is characterised by long-term constriction of airways and difficulty breathing.
- Cystic fibrosis, which is caused by the build-up of mucus within the lungs.
- Emphysema, which is characterized by damage to the air sacs within the lungs.
- Pneumonia, which is caused by a bacterial infection that causes the air sacs to be filled with pus.
What Diagnostic Tests Are Used in Chest Physician Services?
In addition to a physical examination, a Chest Physician may recommend tests such as:
- CT scan or ultrasound to obtain detailed images of the anatomical structures inside of your chest.
- A pulmonary function test, which is a breathing test that determines how well your lungs are working.
- A pulse oximetry test to assess your blood's oxygen saturation level.
- A pleural biopsy, which is a procedure that involves taking a tiny sample of tissue from the thin membrane that surrounds the lungs.
- Bronchoscopy, which is a procedure that examines your airways to see if there are any problems with your respiratory system using a thin tube-like instrument that is passed through your mouth or nose and into the lungs.
- Sleep study, which can aid in the diagnosis of sleep disorders like sleep apnea.
- Blood tests, which measure the amount of oxygen and other substances in your blood.
- X-rays, which are used to generate images of your lungs and other organs in your chest, and utilize modest doses of radiation.
- Spirometry test, which determines your lung capacity by measuring how much air you can inhale and exhale.
What Procedures Do Chest Physicians Perform?
Chest Physicians may perform the following procedures:
- Thoracentesis: This procedure helps to remove fluid or air from the pleural space around the lungs.
- Implantation of a tracheal or bronchial stent: This helps to open up sections of the pulmonary system such as the windpipe or bronchi.
- Pulmonary hygiene: This is the process of removing fluid and mucus from the lungs.
- Ablation of the airways: This procedure opens the clogged airways or makes breathing easier.
- Biopsy: This is a procedure used to obtain a tissue or fluid sample to establish a diagnosis.