Interstitial lung diseases (ILD) are difficult to diagnose and treat. At Yale, we have the expertise and experience needed to treat all forms of ILD, including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), interstitial lung diseases associated with autoimmune disorders, occupational lung disease, and sarcoidosis. Our program, led by pulmonologists, is an internationally recognized center of excellence. Our team can offer patients expertise and support in multiple areas, including treatment of complex lung diseases, the opportunity to participate in clinical and translational studies, and the chance to receive experimental therapy. We also work tirelessly to conduct research into the causes and potential cures for ILD and participate in the education and support of patients, providers, and caregivers. Through our multidisciplinary program, our pulmonologists with expertise in ILD collaborate with specialty-trained pulmonary pathologists, chest radiologists, rheumatologists, and occupational medicine physicians. As members of the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation Clinical Care Network and through Yale’s work with the Scleroderma Foundation, we collaborate with physicians across the country to provide outstanding care to patients with all forms of ILD with a special focus on idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and Scleroderma-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD). We will formulate a treatment plan based on the specific diagnosis, medical issues, and preferences. We will also keep patients’ referring and primary care doctors informed of our recommendations. We also offer strong support from the pulmonary fibrosis community at the local and national level. Locally, we conduct periodic support groups for patients with IPF and scleroderma.

Our nationally and internationally recognized specialists offer comprehensive evaluation, diagnosis and treatment for patients who have diseases that affect the lungs and breathing. Our doctors are board-certified in internal medicine, pulmonary medicine, critical care and sleep medicine. We also have physicians who specialize in interventional pulmonary medicine. Our physicians work closely with colleagues in cardiothoracic surgery, diagnostic radiology, and pathology to provide comprehensive care. In the sleep centers, sleep specialists treat all varieties of sleep disorders. We treat patients in a large outpatient program in the Winchester Center for Lung Disease and through hospital inpatient and primary care services. Specialized physicians staff Yale's critical care services 24/7, and offer state-of-the-art critical care interventions. Winchester Center for Lung Disease is adjacent to a state-of-the-art Pulmonary Function Laboratory. Specialized care is offered in the following areas: Adult cystic fibrosis Asthma and airway diseases Bronchiectasis and chronic pulmonary infections Cardiorespiratory exercise testing Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) Clinical research in all lung diseases Interstitial lung disease Lung cancer screening and pulmonary nodule evaluation Medical intensive care unit Multidisciplinary sleep care Pulmonary embolism Pulmonary function laboratory Pulmonary vascular disease Sleep apnea and other sleep disorders Thoracic interventional pulmonary embolism Thoracic oncology Tuberculosis Our center for pulmonary medicine (P2MED) focuses on developing methods to apply precision medicine approaches to chronic lung disease. Our Interstitial Lung Disease Center is a Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation-recognized clinical care center, one of the first nine in the United States. Our Thoracic Interventional Program offers the most advanced diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to diseases of the chest, including lung nodules and masses, enlarged lymph nodes, complex airways, and pleural effusions. Our Pulmonary Vascular Disease Program is recognized by PH and Scleroderma Foundation. We conduct clinical trials and observational studies in asthma, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary hypertension, and sarcoidosis. We have support groups and outreach activities for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and cystic fibrosis.

Our highly trained and skilled specialists treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), an inflammatory lung disease that obstructs airflow from the lungs and makes it increasingly difficult to breathe. Patients suffering from COPD may experience flare-ups that require hospitalization, leaving them feeling weaker. Our physicians tailor treatment plans to help them manage their COPD so that they can live life to the fullest. Our physicians are also exploring therapies and medications that can help patients in the future. Whether patients have mild symptoms or need rehabilitation or assisted ventilation, we can help. We also offer lung volume reduction surgery or lung transplantation to those who are eligible.