Pulmonology is a medical specialty that deals with diseases involving the respiratory tract (lungs and airways). Pulmonology is also known as chest medicine and respiratory medicine. Pulmonology is considered a branch of internal medicine, and is related to intensive care medicine. Pulmonology often involves managing patients who need life support and mechanical ventilation. Pulmonologists are specially trained in diseases and conditions of the chest, particularly pneumonia, asthma, tuberculosis, emphysema, and complicated chest infections.