Lung Health

Conditions We Treat

Women are disproportionately affected by lung disease — for example, two out of every three non-smokers who get lung cancer are women. Understanding why is a significant goal of our center, and we also want to help you stay informed if you or a loved one gets sick.

Here are some of the conditions and treatments our center covers:

Asthma

Asthma is a condition that causes the airways to swell and produce excess mucus. This makes breathing more difficult and, in severe cases, can be life-threatening. Learn about the causes of asthma and how this condition can be managed and treated.

Autoimmune Interstitial Lung Disease

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) refers to a broad category of conditions that cause inflammation or scarring in the lungs. While there are numerous causes, women are more susceptible if they have other autoimmune conditions. Learn more about this particular type of ILD.

Bronchiectasis

Bronchiectasis is a condition that results from chronic bacterial infections in the lungs. It causes the walls of the lungs to thicken and can make breathing difficult.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

COPD is a condition characterized by inflamed and/or damaged lungs. It is most often caused by smoking. The number of women with COPD has increased in recent decades, which may mean women are more susceptible to the effects of cigarettes.

Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is the world’s leading cause of cancer deaths in women. It kills more women than breast, ovarian, and uterine cancer combined. It is most often caused by smoking or prolonged exposure to secondhand smoke.

Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Lung Infections

Nontuberculous mycobacterial lung infections describe a group of diseases caused by a type of bacteria called mycobacteria. Infections are typically limited to people who already have a lung condition, such as COPD.