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.

We care for children with a variety of allergic and immunologic disorders, and chronic respiratory diseases. Our highly specialized, board-certified clinicians diagnose and treat everything from the most common to the very rare conditions. Nasal and eye allergies Asthma Hives Medication allergy Chronic sinusitis Angioedema Hereditary angioneurotic edema Common variable immunodeficiency Secondary immune deficiencies Cystic fibrosis Sleep disorders Chronic lung disease in infants and older children Acute respiratory failure Treatments we offer include: Allergen vaccine immunotherapy (allergy shots) Asthma environmental controls and pharmacological controller therapy Intensive antihistamine regimens Biological therapy for hereditary angioneurotic edema Intravenous and subcutaneous immunoglobulin replenishment Aspirin desensitization Desensitization to antibiotics and other medications Our services include: Pediatric pulmonary function testing:We evaluate and follow lung disease in children with a full spectrum of tests, including diffusion analysis, challenge tests, and exercise. Physicians may order a pulmonary function test by calling 203-688-4667. Bronchoscopy:Bronchoscopy is the examination of the bronchi (the main airways of the lungs) using a flexible tube (bronchoscope). Bronchoscopy helps to evaluate and diagnose lung problems, assess blockages, obtain samples of tissue and/or fluid, and/or to help remove a foreign body. Bronchoscopies are performed in the pediatric operating room, and in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. Our pulmonologists who perform this procedure have extensive experience with flexible bronchoscopy, including its use in newborns. In many cases, flexible bronchoscopy, which can be safely and comfortably performed under conscious sedation, eliminates the need for an exam under general anesthesia.

Scleroderma (or systemic sclerosis) is a complex disease which results in chronic hardening and tightening of connective tissues, and patients can experience many different symptoms involving different organs. Our multidisciplinary team of doctors and nurses with expertise and an interest in scleroderma, including specialists in rheumatology, allergy and clinical immunology, pulmonary and critical care, cardiology, gastroenterology, nephrology, and dermatology, provide care for patients. The team provides coordinated, multidisciplinary, and compassionate care for patients and all the parts of the body scleroderma affects, including the skin, lung, heart, kidneys, and gastrointestinal system. We also address functional, nutritional, psychological, gynecological, urological, and/or sexual health challenges. The goal is improved quality of life for our patients. We strive to ease the burden on patients and their families. Support staff help patients gather outside medical records and coordinate appointments with different specialists at Yale so that patients can get all their relevant medical care in one place. Doctors readily communicate about the plan of care through the electronic health record. We also actively participate in clinical research, to bring the most innovative treatments for the disease to our patients. Yale has been designated as a Scleroderma Center by the Scleroderma Foundation.