Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine
The Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, part of the Department of Medicine, offers world-class patient care, research programs and education and training opportunities.
Interstitial Lung Diseases
Expert care for lung fibrosis, pneumonitis, Sjogren’s syndrome and more
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Pulmonary Fibrosis Specialists
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) provides highly specialized care for all types of interstitial lung disease (ILD). ILDs are a diverse group of respiratory disorders that vary in severity and affect adults of all ages. Because the symptoms of ILD can be similar to other, more common lung disorders, it’s important to seek the care of a team that’s experienced in ILD diagnosis and treatment. The BIDMC Interstitial Lung Disease Center is here to help.
Conditions We Treat
The conditions we evaluate and treat include the following:
- Bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia (BOOP)/Cryptogenic organizing pneumonia
- Eosinophilic pneumonia
- Hypersensitivity pneumonitis
- Idiopathic (unknown cause) pulmonary fibrosis
- Lung fibrosis or inflammation caused by medications, chemotherapy, immunotherapy or radiation
- Lung fibrosis or inflammation related to rheumatological disease:
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Scleroderma
- Sjogren’s syndrome
- Dermatomyositis/Polymyositis
- Nonspecific interstitial pneumonitis
- Sarcoidosis
More About Interstitial Lung Diseases
What To Expect
Once your primary care or other doctor has referred you to us, we aim to see you for your first visit quickly — within days if necessary. Initial visits typically involve:
- Lung function testing and imaging.
- An hour-long appointment with a doctor.
Doctors may use the following tests to diagnose ILD:
Your doctor takes the results of your testing, evaluation and all other data to our bi-weekly meetings, if needed. There, we discuss cases in a group setting alongside chest radiologists and other pulmonologists. Other members of the ILD Center provide input when appropriate, including providers of rheumatology and thoracic surgery. Through this collaborative approach, you can be sure that experts from many areas have thoroughly reviewed and given input on your care plan.
Expert Multidisciplinary ILD Care
Doctors who do not regularly care for those with ILD can find the management of these diseases challenging. Standard treatments that doctors use for common lung disorders are not typically helpful with ILD.
That’s why you’ll benefit from the expertise and knowledge of ILD specialists at BIDMC. Our doctors have years of clinical and research experience. We place great importance on being available to you and communicating well with your referring doctor or other doctors involved in your care.
We believe that our collaborative approach will provide you with the best possible care. Depending on your needs, your ILD care team may include the following specialists:
- Pulmonologists
- Pathologists
- Radiologists
- Thoracic surgeons
- Physical therapists specializing in pulmonary rehabilitation
Clinical Trials
BIDMC's Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine participates extensively in clinical trials related to interstitial lung diseases. For example, we have been a research site for major recent drug trials for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
If you are interested in clinical trials, please speak with your ILD specialist. They can advise if there is an ongoing trial that may be right for you.
Meet the Team
The Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) Center team provides expert care for ILDs, including lung fibrosis, pneumonitis and Sjogren’s syndrome.
