Pulmonology is a medical speciality and a subspecialty of internal medicine that focuses on diagnosing and managing disorders of the respiratory system. This includes the lungs, upper airways, thoracic cavity, and chest wall. Pulmonology is a brand of internal medicine and typically involves managing patients on life support or mechanical ventilation.

A pulmonologist can also help treat complicated respiratory diseases, such as mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos dust and can start in the chest cavity, thoracic cavity, or abdomen. In rare cases, mesothelioma can occur in the testes. Because of its rarity and severity, patients often see a lung specialist or pulmonologist to assist with their lung-related disease. Other diseases involving pulmonology may include pneumonia, asthma, tuberculosis, emphysema, or severe chest infections.