Pediatric pulmonologists specialize in treating lung disorders in children and adolescents. They diagnose and treat breathing disorders, birth defects, lung disease, and cancer using various equipment and methods. They prescribe medication, provide counseling, or recommend surgery depending on the severity of the condition. To become a pediatric pulmonologist, one must complete a four-year medical program, followed by a residency and supervised hands-on experience in the specialty. Licensed physicians can work in various settings, including general hospitals, emergency rooms, clinics, and private practices.
A pediatric pulmonologist is a doctor who specializes in treating lung disorders in children and adolescents under the age of 18. A doctor uses many types of equipment and methods to accurately identify illnesses. Pulmonologists assess breathing disorders, birth defects, lung disease, and cancer. Diagnosing and treating young patients requires specialized knowledge, gained through an extensive educational program and practical residency. Licensed professionals work in a variety of settings, including general hospitals, emergency rooms, clinics and private practices.
Patients are usually referred to a pediatric pulmonologist after primary care physicians detect abnormal lung or respiratory tract conditions. The pulmonologist can perform physical examinations, assess reported symptoms, and oversee diagnostic testing procedures. He or she analyzes the results of CT scans, x-rays, blood tests and tissue biopsies to make accurate diagnoses. With the help of nurses and other specialists, the doctor can determine the best course of treatment for specific patients.
Depending on the diagnosis and severity of a condition, the pediatric pulmonologist may decide to prescribe medication, provide counseling, or recommend surgery. Children suffering from bronchitis or asthma, for example, are often given oral inhalers to help alleviate symptoms and are advised to avoid potential triggers. A pulmonologist may consider surgery necessary if medications are ineffective or if emergency conditions pose a significant threat to a child’s health. Young patients respond differently than adults to certain treatments and medications; therefore, a professional must have a lot of knowledge to make the best decisions. Also, the doctor needs to be able to relate to children and accurately explain things in words they can understand.
A person who wants to become a pediatric pulmonologist is usually required to complete a four-year program at an accredited medical school to earn a Doctor of Medicine degree. Upon graduation, a new physician typically spends about a year in a general internship position in an emergency room or hospital, followed by a three-year residency in pediatrics or internal medicine. An additional two to four years are spent in a pediatric pulmonology clinic or hospital ward to provide supervised hands-on experience in the specialty.
After a successful residency program, a pediatric pulmonologist can take a series of exams administered by a board of directors to obtain their license. Licensed physicians have the opportunity to independently start working on choosing settings. Most pulmonologists work in general hospitals or pediatric centers to treat patients with all types of conditions. Other professionals are self-employed in private practices, where they provide outpatient services and perform regular checkups on patients with chronic conditions.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
