What type of disorders does a pulmonologist diagnose?

A pulmonologist is a specialist in the diagnosis and treatment of respiratory disorders. This medical field focuses on conditions affecting the lungs and respiratory system, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, sleep apnea, and lung cancer. Evaluating and managing these disorders often requires comprehensive knowledge of pulmonary, critical care, and sometimes sleep medicine.

In contrast, foot disorders would typically be addressed by a podiatrist, joint disorders are the purview of rheumatologists or orthopedic specialists, and breast tumors would fall under the expertise of oncologists or breast surgeons. Thus, the focus of a pulmonologist on respiratory disorders makes the correct choice distinctly aligned with their specialized training and practice.