A Guide to Pulmonology and Finding the Best Pulmonologist for You

September 1, 2025

Dr Manjush R Mudadevannanavar
MD Pulmonary Medicine Fellow in Interventional Pulmonology Consultant Pulmonologist

As the weather shifts in September, we brace ourselves for the seasonal onset of respiratory illnesses. While precaution is always better than cure, we must make sure to seek expert medical advice from the best hospitals nearby in case of persistent symptoms like:

• Sore throat and runny nose
• Persistent cough
• High fever
• Shortness of breath or wheezing
• Chest congestion
• Body pain and fatigue

While all of us need to practice precaution, it is essential that those with pre-existing conditions take extra care.

In the unfortunate case that the symptoms do not subside within three weeks, and primary care is unable to resolve them, it would be helpful to know the best pulmonologist to visit for efficient medical care. To determine this, here’s a quick guide to know:

• What is Pulmonology?
• Who is a Pulmonologist?
• What does a Pulmonologist do?
• How to find the right Pulmonologist

What is Pulmonology?

Pulmonology is the specialised medical field focused on diagnosing and treating the illnesses of the respiratory system. It is one of the fastest-growing medical specialities currently, following the rapid rise of respiratory diseases in the aftermath of the Coronavirus pandemic.

Pulmonology is related to intensive care medicine and often involves managing patients in need of life support. As a discipline, it often works hand-in-hand with the cardiology department and the cardiothoracic surgery department. In fact, cardiothoracic surgeons generally perform operative procedures of the respiratory tract. Pulmonologists, however, may perform minor procedures when needed.

Who is a Pulmonologist?

A doctor who diagnoses and treats conditions of the respiratory tract is a pulmonologist. They specialise in treating conditions like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other disorders that affect the lungs.

Severe forms of certain respiratory conditions require specialised treatments, and in some extreme cases, even surgery.

Finding the right Pulmonologist

The need for a pulmonologist may occur rarely, but it is best to be prepared when the situation does arise.

There are several reasons to seek out a good Pulmonologist. Lung issues can happen to anyone. It is important to diagnose them on time for appropriate and, at times, life-saving treatment. While a regular doctor can take care of short-term illnesses, a pulmonologist needs to come in if the condition persists or if it’s chronic.

A lot of factors, including environmental conditions and lifestyle choices, could lead to lung problems. It may even require long-term care and could be debilitating. This includes:

• Air pollution
• Poor indoor air quality
• Exposure to hazardous pollutants or allergens
• Smoking or vaping
• Family history of lung disease

In case a respiratory issue has aggravated, the first step would be to consult a primary care doctor. They are well-equipped to refer a suitable pulmonologist for the right treatment. Nanjappa Life Care is now home to world-class Pulmonology, right here in Shivamogga.

At the pulmonologist’s, here is what you can look for to determine if they’re the right fit for you:

Comprehensive Approach
They will try to get to the root of the problem by enquiring about your medical history. Providing them with a detailed explanation of your conditions, symptoms, and habits will help them provide an accurate diagnosis.

Run Relevant Tests
The specialist may prescribe tests before your visit. They may then conduct a physical examination during the consultation and order additional tests, as required.

Well-informed Diagnosis
At this point, a good pulmonologist has been piecing together the information your body holds to come up with an accurate diagnosis. They will be able to explain the illness, backed by their examination and the results of the medical tests. It is just as important that they communicate the condition in a way the patient can understand.

Personalised Treatment Plan

In accordance with the diagnosis, a good pulmonologist will then come up with the best course of treatment that will help manage, reduce, and bring the condition under control. They will also prescribe lifestyle changes, in addition to medication and other treatments.

A good pulmonologist will also proactively monitor the patient’s condition and even refer them to other relevant medical providers, if necessary. A follow-up visit will also ensure they have visibility on the progress of their treatment plan.

Pulmonology Department Service Offerings

The best Pulmonology Departments have a range of special instruments for scanning, testing, and treating a wide variety of lung-related issues. Some of the common ones that are treated include:

• Asthma
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
• Respiratory Tract Infections (Lower and Upper)
• Pneumonia
• OSA (Obstructive Sleep Apnoea)
• Tuberculosis (TB)
• Cystic Fibrosis
• Seasonal and substance allergy testing
• Smoking de-addiction and treatment
• Lung cancer treatment

Importance of Pulmonology in Critical or Intensive Care

Catching a lung issue in its early stages may help contain its escalation before it gets worse. In an advanced stage, it becomes important to provide treatment that addresses various adjoining issues, not just one illness. This is where pulmonology plays a key role. When doctors take the stress off the lungs, everything else becomes easier.

This is why the best pulmonologists are usually double-certified in Pulmonology. If you ever ask yourself if there is a good lung specialist near me, the answer is right here. Now Nanjappa Life Care is embracing this change, making world-class Pulmonology in Shivamogga available closer to home.

Consult our experts to treat your concerns, too.