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Pulmonologist visit
pulmonologist · lung doctor · lung specialist · respiratory doctor
A doctor who treats the lungs and airways. They listen to your breathing and check how well your lungs work.
For a long-lasting cough, shortness of breath, asthma, frequent bronchitis, or changes on a chest scan.
⏱ Duration: usually 20 to 40 minutes
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Smoking. If your breathing will be tested, do not smoke for at least a few hours before. Check with the clinic.
- Scans. Bring chest X-rays or CT scans, if you had them.
What to bring
- Your ID
- The inhalers you use
- Past test results, discharge papers, and reports
- A list of your medicines, or the packs themselves
How it goes
- The doctor asks about your symptoms
- Your lungs are listened to
- Your blood oxygen is measured with a sensor on your finger
- Sometimes a breathing test called spirometry is done right away
- Tests or treatment are ordered
What you'll feel
- Nothing unpleasant
- In the breathing test, you blow out hard. You may feel a little dizzy
Afterwards
- The doctor may check that you use your inhaler correctly
- Do not change treatment on your own. Ask the doctor
Contact a doctor straight away if
- Severe shortness of breath at rest, blue lips, or coughing up blood: call emergency services
Common questions
Why bring my inhaler?
The doctor will check that you use it correctly. It is a common reason treatment does not work.
Do I need a chest scan beforehand?
If you have one, bring it. The doctor will decide if a new one is needed.