Lung Diseases Program
On a normal day, you breathe 25,000 times. Lung disease prevents your body from getting enough oxygen each time you breathe. Millions of Americans suffer from lung disease, making it the third greatest cause of death in the United States.
There are three main types of lung disease, including:
- Airway diseases: These conditions affect the tubes (or airways) that carry air into and out of the lungs. Diseases such as asthma, emphysema and chronic bronchitis narrow or block these airways, making you feel like you are breathing through a straw.
- Lung tissue diseases: Diseases such as pulmonary fibrosis and sarcoidosis affect the structure of the lung tissue through inflammation or scarring. Lung tissue changes prevent the lungs from fully expanding, making it hard for you to take a deep breath to take in oxygen or expel carbon dioxide.
- Lung circulation diseases: These affect the blood vessels in the lungs, caused by inflammation, clotting or scaring of the pulmonary blood vessels. This affects the ability of the lungs to take up oxygen or expel carbon dioxide, and this may also affect the functioning of the heart.
Lung disease can take many forms, including:
- Lung cancer
- Lung infections such as influenza and pneumonia
- Asthma and chronic bronchitis
- Sarcoidosis and pulmonary fibrosis
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and emphysema
- Pulmonary edema
Meet the Teams
Types of Lung Disease
Tests
Treatments
Northwestern Memorial Hospital
No. 12 in Pulmonology & Lung Surgery
Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital
No. 50 in Pulmonology & Lung Surgery
High-Risk Conditions and COVID-19
People with certain conditions or health concerns have increased risk of more severe illness after contracting COVID-19. Learn about the latest information.
COVID-19 Resource Center
Northwestern Medicine is a trusted source for accurate and up-to-date information regarding COVID-19.
Lung Transplantation Program
The Northwestern Medicine Lung Transplantation Program combines leading clinical practice with groundbreaking research in the diagnosis and treatment of all types of severe lung disease. With an active clinical trial program bringing new treatments and procedures to light, our pulmonary physicians offer experience, innovation and expertise in the treatment of complex lung disease.
Related Resources
- What is Lung Cancer?: Find out more about the two main types of lung cancer and how they can spread.
- Treatment for COPD: Learn what you can do to minimize your symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
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