Pulmonology is the specialty area of medicine that focuses specifically on the pulmonary system. The pulmonary system, also sometimes called the respiratory system, consists of the lungs, trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, associated blood vessels, and all other components involved in and directly related to breathing and the process of respiration

A primary care physician may refer someone to a pulmonologist if they show signs of having a respiratory health condition. This includes infections such as pneumonia and chronic conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma.

A pulmonologist is a physician who diagnoses and treats medical conditions that affect the respiratory system.