Chest Medicine, more formally known as Pulmonology or Respiratory Medicine, is a subspecialty of internal medicine that focuses on diseases of the respiratory system. It plays a critical role in diagnosing and managing conditions that affect breathing and lung function.

 Core Areas of Chest Medicine (Pulmonology)

1. Obstructive Lung Diseases

• Asthma: Chronic inflammation of airways causing wheezing and breathlessness.

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema, often linked to smoking.

2. Restrictive Lung Diseases

• Pulmonary Fibrosis: Scarring of lung tissue leading to stiffness and reduced oxygen exchange.

• Sarcoidosis: Inflammatory disease affecting lungs and other organs.

3. Infectious Diseases

• Pneumonia: Infection of lung tissue.

• Tuberculosis (TB): Bacterial infection with global health significance.

• Bronchitis: Inflammation of the bronchial tubes.

4. Pulmonary Vascular Diseases

• Pulmonary Embolism: Blood clot in the lungs.

• Pulmonary Hypertension: High blood pressure in lung arteries.

5. Sleep-Related Breathing Disorders

• Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Repeated airway blockage during sleep.

• Central Sleep Apnea: Brain fails to send proper signals to muscles controlling breathing.

6. Pleural Diseases

• Pleural Effusion: Fluid accumulation around the lungs.

• Pneumothorax: Collapsed lung due to air in the pleural space.

7. Lung Cancer

• Diagnosis and management of primary and metastatic lung tumors.

8. Occupational and Environmental Lung Diseases

• Conditions caused by exposure to dust, chemicals, or pollutants (e.g., silicosis, asbestosis).

 Diagnostic Tools & Procedures

• Chest X-ray and CT scan

• Pulmonary function tests (spirometry)

• Bronchoscopy

• Arterial blood gas analysis

• Sleep studies (polysomnography)