Pulmonology
Experienced doctors, accurate diagnostics, and an individual approach to every case — for the health of your lungs.
Pulmonology is the branch of medicine that studies the structure, function, and diseases of the respiratory organs: the trachea, bronchi, lungs, and pleura. It is closely connected with internal medicine, allergology, cardiology, and otorhinolaryngology. Therefore, at K+31 a pulmonologist does not work in isolation but together with other clinic specialists — especially important if a cough or shortness of breath has several causes at once.
You should see a pulmonologist if you notice:
- A cough lasting more than 3 weeks, whether dry or productive
- Shortness of breath during usual activities — climbing stairs, brisk walking, or housework
- Wheezing, crackles, or a feeling of chest tightness
- Frequent bronchitis or colds that do not fully resolve
- Persistent low-grade fever (37.1–38 °C) after an acute respiratory viral infection
- Nighttime coughing or waking with a feeling of not getting enough air
- Occupational exposure to dust or chemicals, or a long history of smoking
If even one of these signs persists for more than two weeks, this is sufficient reason for a consultation — not a reason to “wait and see”.
Conditions treated by K+31 pulmonologists
Department doctors treat patients with a wide range of acute and chronic respiratory diseases:
- Bronchial asthma — selection of maintenance therapy, control of exacerbations, and allergy care
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) — slowing disease progression and respiratory rehabilitation
- Acute and chronic bronchitis, including obstructive forms
- Pneumonia, including community-acquired and post-COVID pneumonia
- Pleurisy — diagnosis of the cause and prevention of complications
- Pulmonary emphysema — management of respiratory failure
- Sarcoidosis, fibrosing alveolitis, and interstitial lung diseases
- Bronchiectasis
- Occupational and allergic lung diseases (pneumoconiosis, silicosis, etc.)
- Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome — in collaboration with a sleep specialist
- Chronic cough of unknown origin — a comprehensive search for the cause
Pulmonology is a field where the cost of error is particularly high: behind an apparently ordinary cough or shortness of breath, anything may be hidden — from bronchial asthma to pulmonary embolism. That is why, over decades of practice, I have made it a rule not to rush to a ready diagnosis, but to look at the patient as a whole — their heart, blood vessels, metabolism, not just their lungs.
In our department, we combine internal medicine and pulmonology perspectives: if a person has asthma, COPD, or suspected interstitial lung disease, we do not limit care to a single consultation. We build a complete picture using functional diagnostics, laboratory data and, if needed, a multidisciplinary consultation with cardiologists and endocrinologists.
It is important to me that a patient leaves the appointment not simply with a prescription, but with an understanding of what is happening in their body and why this particular treatment has been prescribed. In my view, this is real medicine — attentive, systematic, and humane.
General information
What to expect at a pulmonologist appointment at K+31
The appointment starts not with a prescription form, but with a conversation: the doctor asks in detail about the nature of the cough, the circumstances in which shortness of breath worsens, lifestyle, occupational factors, and family history — this often provides more information than tests ordered immediately. This is followed by a physical examination with lung auscultation: the doctor listens to breathing during inhalation and exhalation to detect wheezing, diminished breath sounds, or other abnormalities.
Based on the conversation and examination, the pulmonologist determines the necessary scope of diagnostics — from basic spirometry to more in-depth tests — and draws up a preliminary plan. The final stage is a discussion of the findings and treatment strategy in clear, simple language, without medical jargon, so the patient understands exactly what is prescribed and why.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How long must a cough last before you definitely need to see a pulmonologist?
If a cough lasts more than 3 weeks — whether dry or productive — it is a reason for a consultation. A persistent cough may indicate not only residual symptoms after an acute respiratory viral infection, but also asthma, chronic bronchitis, or more serious conditions that are important to identify as early as possible.
How does a pulmonologist differ from an internist in respiratory diseases?
An internist provides the initial appointment and can manage mild bronchitis or colds, but in chronic cases, recurrent symptoms, or an unclear diagnosis, refers the patient to a pulmonologist — a specialist with deeper expertise in diseases of the lungs, bronchi, and pleura, and in specialized diagnostic methods such as spirometry and bronchoscopy.
Do I need special preparation before spirometry?
Yes. It is not recommended to smoke for 2–4 hours before the test; bronchodilators should not be used for 4–6 hours beforehand (where this is possible without harming your well-being). Before the appointment, avoid a heavy meal and intense physical activity. Your doctor will clarify the exact list of restrictions when scheduling the test.
Can shortness of breath be unrelated to the lungs?
Yes, shortness of breath is often cardiac, neurological, or even psychogenic in origin. Therefore, at the appointment the pulmonologist evaluates the symptom comprehensively and, if necessary, involves a cardiologist or another specialist so that the true cause is not missed.
How can I tell if bronchitis is becoming chronic?
A chronic course is indicated if a productive cough recurs for several months a year for two or more consecutive years. In this case, it is important not to limit care to symptomatic treatment but to undergo full diagnostics to assess the condition of the bronchi.
Can I exercise with bronchial asthma?
Yes — and you should. With properly selected maintenance therapy, physical activity improves respiratory function. A pulmonologist will help select the type and intensity of exercise, as well as a medication regimen before training if needed.
How often should I see a pulmonologist if I have COPD?
With stable COPD, a visit to a pulmonologist is recommended at least once every 6 months to monitor respiratory function and adjust therapy. In case of exacerbations or changes in symptoms, seek care immediately rather than waiting for the scheduled date.
What should I bring to my first appointment?
It is useful to bring the results of previous examinations — CT or X-ray images, spirometry reports, and discharge summaries from other doctors if the condition has been managed before. This allows the doctor to get oriented faster and avoid unnecessary repeat tests.
Can I have an online consultation with a pulmonologist?
Yes, K+31 offers telemedicine consultations — a convenient format for follow-up visits, discussing test results, or situations where an in-person examination is not essential.
How do I make an appointment with a pulmonologist at K+31?
You can book online through the clinic website or by calling the contact center. Specialists will help you choose a convenient time, branch, and, if necessary, a doctor according to the nature of your concerns.
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What pulmonology is and when you need it
Breathing is the only bodily function we perform constantly and barely notice while it comes easily. Shortness of breath when climbing stairs, a cough that persists month after month, or the feeling that there is “not enough air” are reasons to see not a self-treatment guide but a specialist who sees the respiratory system as a whole. The K+31 Pulmonology Department brings together doctors with many years of experience, expert European-standard diagnostics, and an approach in which every patient receives not a one-size-fits-all regimen, but an individual plan — from the first consultation to full restoration of lung function.