A breath of Twitter.

The use of online social networks among physicians and physicians-in-training is similar to that of the general population. Patients also use online social networks to communicate and exchange information with other patients who have similar conditions and with health professionals, something which is not free from ethical problems. In any case, online social networks have penetrated clinical practice irreversibly. Twitter is an effective social communication tool used for many different purposes. It has been massively adopted in many sectors including healthcare. The article explores its usefulness for respiratory physicians, focusing in four areas: 1) Access to generic and scientific information, 2) Contact with the professional community, 3) Public health, 4) Relationship with patients.