Lung Disease: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Achuta Uppu, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Lung Disease?
A pulmonologist, a lung doctor, treats lung disease. A primary care doctor often starts the evaluation. A thoracic surgeon, a chest surgeon, may help when surgery is needed. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is lung disease?
When you breathe, your lungs take in oxygen from the air and deliver it to the bloodstream. The cells in your body need oxygen to work and grow.
The term lung disease refers to many disorders affecting the lungs. Examples are asthma, COPD, infections like influenza, pneumonia and tuberculosis, lung cancer, and many other breathing problems. Some lung diseases can lead to respiratory failure.
Millions of people in the U.S. have lung disease.
Symptoms
People with lung disease have difficulty breathing. Tests can help find the cause of lung symptoms such as shortness of breath or chest pain.
Causes and who gets it
Lung disease includes asthma and COPD. Infections such as influenza, pneumonia, and tuberculosis are also lung diseases. So is lung cancer.
Tobacco smoke is the main cause of COPD in the United States. Secondhand smoke and breathing hazards at work also raise the risk of COPD.
If all types of lung disease are lumped together, it is the number three killer in the United States.
How doctors diagnose it
Lung function tests can help your healthcare provider see how well your lungs are working. They may help diagnose certain lung conditions or diseases.
- Pulse oximetry estimates oxygen levels in your blood. A probe is placed on your finger or another skin surface.
- Spirometry asks you to take a deep breath in and then blow as hard as you can into a tube connected to a machine.
- A lung volume test measures how much air your lungs can hold.
- A chest x-ray is a fast and painless imaging test that looks at the structures in and around your chest.
- A chest CT scan is a painless imaging test that takes many detailed pictures of your lungs and the inside of your chest.
Treatment
Treatments for lung disease include:
- Medicines. Different medicines can treat symptoms such as coughing or wheezing. Antibiotics can treat some respiratory infections.
- Quitting smoking. For smokers with COPD, the most important part of treatment is to stop smoking.
- Vaccines. Vaccines for COVID-19, flu, and pneumococcal disease help prevent lung infections.
- Pulmonary rehabilitation, a program that teaches you how to manage your symptoms, such as how to breathe better and save your energy.
- Oxygen therapy, which can help you breathe easier if your blood oxygen levels are low.
Follow your doctor's instructions about your treatment. Only your doctor should change or stop a medicine.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor about lung symptoms such as shortness of breath, because tests can help find the cause.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have severe trouble breathing, chest pain, fainting, or you cough up blood.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A direct primary care doctor can listen to your lungs, order a chest x-ray or breathing test, and refer you to a lung specialist when needed.
Common questions
What does lung disease mean?
Lung disease means any one of many disorders that affect the lungs.
What are common lung diseases?
Common examples are asthma, COPD, pneumonia, tuberculosis, and lung cancer.
How do doctors test how well my lungs work?
They use lung function tests. One example is spirometry, where you take a deep breath in and blow as hard as you can into a tube connected to a machine.
Can lung disease cause trouble breathing?
Yes. People with lung disease have difficulty breathing.
Can lung disease lead to respiratory failure?
Yes, some lung diseases can.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
