Interstitial Lung Disease

Interstitial lung disease is a classification covering more than 200 types of lung disorders, all of which affect the interstitium, or the area surrounding the air sacs. Most of the disorders cause a thickening of the interstitium, generally resulting from excess mucous, inflammation, and scarring. The progressive scarring of lung tissue eventually interferes with the ability to breathe by reducing the intake of oxygen.  Some of the disorders also may affect blood vessels, airways to the lungs, the outside lining of the lungs (called the pleura), and even the air sacs themselves. A wide range of causes are associated with these lung disorders, including bacteria, smoking, asbestos, and autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Why UAB

UAB Pulmonary Services is ranked among the best programs of its kind in the nation, and our physicians are consistently listed among the Best Doctors in America for respiratory disease. We serve patients at our main campus and also at our convenient neighborhood clinics in Hoover and Gardendale.

Most UAB Pulmonary Services doctors are triple-board-certified in internal medicine, critical care, and pulmonary medicine. They serve on national boards and specialty organizations, speak at national conferences, publish in scientific and medical journals, and conduct research that is recognized nationally and internationally. Our physicians are continually seeking new ways to treat lung disease and improve the care for patients.

 

VIDEOS

UAB interventional pulmonologists and thoracic surgeons collaborate in treating lung cancer with less invasive procedures.

UAB nurse, Barbara, diagnosed with cancer in both lungs, is now cancer free and thriving, thanks to treatment from her multi-disciplinary care team at UAB Medicine.
 

CARE PROVIDERS

Maria Del Pilar Acosta, MD
Maria Del Pilar Acosta, MD
Joseph B. Barney, MD
Joseph B. Barney, MD
Scott E. Buchalter, MD
Scott E. Buchalter, MD
J. Allen D. Cooper Jr., MD
J. Allen D. Cooper Jr., MD
Kevin Dsouza, MD
Kevin Dsouza, MD
Jack H. Hasson, MD
Jack H. Hasson, MD
John I. Kennedy Jr., MD
John I. Kennedy Jr., MD
Tejaswini Kulkarni, MD
Tejaswini Kulkarni, MD
Tracy R. Luckhardt, MD, MS
Tracy R. Luckhardt, MD, MS
Ravi Virdi, MD
Ravi Virdi, MD
Benjamin Wei, MD
Benjamin Wei, MD
 

RELATED SERVICES

CLINICAL TRIALS

UAB is an active participant in research and clinical trials for interstitial lung disease. We encourage you to speak to your physician about research and clinical trial options and browse the link below for more information.

View Clinical Trials