Respiratory Conditions

This is an inherited genetic disorder that results in emphysema and liver disease. Lahey Hospital & Medical Center’s Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Department has been involved in the diagnosis and treatment of alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency since 1988.

This is a disease primarily of the airways and can occur both early and later in life. The pathophysiology of this disease includes smooth muscle bronchospasm of the airways and excessive inflammation with overproduction of secretions. Asthma can be fully treated with a combination of medical therapies. Our state-of-the-art Asthma Center provides our patients with disease management education and assists with optimizing medical therapy. We also offer the newest treatments for asthma, including thermoplasty.

Emphysema is one of the most common forms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). A long-term lung disease, emphysema occurs when there is damage to the air sacs in the lungs. These air sacs pick up oxygen from the air. When the air sacs are damaged they cannot pick up enough oxygen, which causes breathing problems. While there is no cure for emphysema, it can be controlled with medicines and breathing treatments.

Diseases that involve the lining of the lungs (the pleura). Pleural disorders may lead to inflammation of this lining (pleurisy), thickening of the lining, or excess fluid accumulation (pleural effusion). Using X-rays and tools such as drainage catheters, biopsy needles and special cameras called thoracoscopes, Lahey Clinic specialists can diagnose diseases of the pleura and offer treatment options in interventional pulmonology.

There are many kinds of pneumonia, but the most common types are caused by bacterial and viral infections. Both forms of the disease cause increased fluid in the lungs. Viral pneumonia occurs most commonly in the winter. Pneumonia is most serious when it occurs in young children and people over 60. Today many people can be treated at home, but hospitalization may be required depending on the nature and severity of the infection. Lahey’s Department of Pulmonary & Critical Care collaborates with the Department of Infectious Diseases in the treatment of pneumonia.

Pulmonary Hypertension is a disorder in which there is high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs. It can be caused by several underlying disorders such as liver disease, rheumatological disorders, HIV, heart disease, blood clots in the lungs, and/or existing lung diseases such as COPD or Obstructive sleep apnea. However, there is a rare form called Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) in which the blood pressure in the arteries is increased due to narrowed, thickened, or stiffened arteries in the lungs. PAH requires specialized evaluation by a pulmonologist for diagnosis and management. Though there is no cure for PAH, specialized medications can be used to help manage the disease.

This is the medical term for a group of about 180 lung diseases whose common characteristic is scarring in the tissues of the lungs. Also called interstitial lung disease (ILD), this condition can occur as a result of previous infection, inflammation or even environmental exposure. In some cases the scarring, or fibrosis, can be extensive and interfere with normal lung function. This can lead to symptoms such as shortness of breath and coughing. People usually get ILD between the ages of 40 and 70. While there is currently no cure for ILD, there are treatments to control its symptoms.

Sarcoidosis is a disease that causes inflammation, or swelling, of the body’s tissues. The inflammation produces small lumps (also called nodules or granulomas) in the tissues. Sarcoidosis often starts in the lungs and then spreads to other organs and tissues in the body. Treatments can be given to control symptoms and improve the function of lungs and other organs affected by the disease.

Tuberculosis (TB) is a highly contagious infection of the lungs and is prevalent worldwide. Lahey Hospital & Medical Center offers a state-funded clinic supported by the Division of Tuberculosis Prevention and Control. Our goal is to manage and eradicate TB in Massachusetts by targeting and treating high-risk individuals who have or are suspected of having TB.