A pediatric pulmonologist is a doctor who specializes in treating lung problems in children and adolescents under the age of 18. To accurately diagnose diseases, a doctor employs a variety of equipment and methods. Respiratory disorders, congenital problems, lung disease, and malignancies are all evaluated pulmonologists. Diagnosing and treating children and adolescents necessitates expert knowledge gained through a rigorous educational program and a practical residency. Licensed professionals can be found in a variety of settings such as general hospitals, emergency rooms, clinics, and private practices.
When primary-care doctors detect abnormal lung or respiratory tract conditions, patients are usually referred to a pediatric pulmonologist. Physical examinations, evaluation of reported symptoms, and oversight of diagnostic testing procedures are all things that a pulmonologist can do. To make accurate diagnoses, he or she examines the results of computerized tomography scans, x-rays, blood tests, and tissue biopsies. The doctor can determine the best course of treatment for specific patients with the help of nurses and other specialists.
The pediatric pulmonologist may prescribe medications, provide counseling, or recommend surgery depending on the diagnosis and severity of the condition. Children with bronchitis or asthma, for example, are frequently given oral inhalers to alleviate their symptoms and are advised to avoid potential triggers. If medications are ineffective or if emergency conditions pose a significant threat to a child’s health, a pulmonologist may recommend surgery. Because young patients react differently to certain treatments and medications than adults, a professional must be well-versed in order to make the best decisions. Furthermore, the doctor must be able to relate to children and accurately explain things to them in simple terms.
A person who wishes to work as a pediatric pulmonologist must typically complete a four-year program at an accredited medical school in order to obtain a Doctor of Medicine degree. Following graduation, a new doctor usually spends one year in an emergency room or hospital as a general intern, followed a three-year residency in either pediatrics or internal medicine. Two to four years are spent in a pediatric pulmonology practice or hospital wing to gain supervised, hands-on experience in the field.
A pediatric pulmonologist can earn his or her license passing a series of exams administered a governing board after completing a successful residency program. Licensed doctors now have the option to work independently in a variety of settings. The majority of pulmonologists work in general hospitals or pediatric centers, where they treat patients with a wide range of illnesses. Others work for themselves in private practices, providing outpatient services and conducting regular screenings on patients with chronic illnesses.