Pulmonary Medicine

Interstitial lung diseases are a group of lung diseases characterized by the abnormal accumulation of cells or noncellular material in the supportive structures between the air sacs of the lungs. This process results in thickening and stiffness of the normally elastic tissues of the lung. Many people with interstitial lung disease are short of breath on exertion, and some have a bothersome dry cough.

The disease may present suddenly with new symptoms or progress slowly over time and be difficult to initially diagnose. Once your doctor suspects you may have interstitial lung disease, you may be referred to a doctor with specialized training in pulmonary medicine and the diagnosis and treatment of interstitial lung disease.

The experts of the Interstitial Lung Disease Clinic work closely with a multispecialty team that includes chest (thoracic) surgeons, radiologists, pathologists or other specialists as needed. Together they can develop an individualized treatment plan for you that's based on a comprehensive evaluation and accurate diagnosis.

Conditions treated

• Chronic eosinophilic pneumonia
• Connective tissue disease-associated interstitial lung disease (scleroderma lung, rheumatoid lung, mixed connective tissue disease, polymyositis, dermatomyositis, Sjogren's-related lung disease, undifferentiated connective tissue disease)
• Cryptogenic organizing pneumonia
• Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (mold exposure, farmer's lung, pigeon breeder's disease), acute and chronic
• Idiopathic nonspecific interstitial pneumonia
• Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
• Lymphangioleiomyomatosis
• Occupational exposure, pneumoconiosis (coal workers' pneumoconiosis, asbestosis, berylliosis, silicosis)
• Pulmonary eosinophilic granuloma, histiocytosis X, pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis
• Sarcoidosis
• Smoking-related interstitial lung disease (desquamative interstitial pneumonia), respiratory bronchiolitis and respiratory bronchiolitis-associated interstitial lung disease

Nationally recognized expertise

Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, Mayo Clinic in Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona, and Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, are ranked among the Best Hospitals for pulmonology by U.S. News and World Report.

Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, Mayo Clinic in Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona, and Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, are ranked among the Best Hospitals for respiratory disorders by U.S. News and World Report.