Many lung diseases eventually necessitate a lung transplant, but most conditions can generally be controlled through more conservative measures. Making lifestyle changes like quitting smoking, taking medications, and attending physical therapy sessions can help mitigate symptoms.
In some cases, lung diseases can lead to lung failure, or the inability of the lungs to efficiently transfer oxygen into the blood and carbon dioxide out of it. At this point, physicians can refer patients to a lung transplant center. Tampa General Hospital’s Lung Transplant Program accepts adult patients who have severe lung diseases, such as:
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) – A progressive disease that leads to the breakdown of the air sacs within the lungs or the irritation of the lining of the airways.
- Cystic fibrosis – A condition characterized by the chronic productions of excess mucus, which can make it difficult to breathe.
- Primary pulmonary hypertension – A condition that narrows the blood vessels within the lungs and increases the patient’s blood pressure. It can cause the heart to fail if it progresses too far.
- Sarcoidosis – The growth of inflammatory cells in the lungs, which can drastically reduce the efficacy of the lungs.
- Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) – A condition characterized by the growth of abnormal muscle-like cells in the lungs that can reduce the number of normally functioning cells.
- Pulmonary fibrosis – A disease that involves the growth of scar tissue in the lungs and reduces their overall functionality, making it tougher to breathe efficiently.
Transplant candidates are evaluated based on information submitted in a referral form and lung transplant criteria. Each of these lung diseases has its own specific criteria for transplant, and we will examine every case individually to determine if the patient is a good candidate. TGH has one of Florida’s top lung transplant programs for people with advanced lung diseases, with some of the shortest average times to transplant in the nation and a high volume of successful transplants completed every year.
For more information about Tampa General Hospital’s Lung Transplant Center, call 1-800-505-7769 (Option 3), or call the coordinator directly at (813) 844-4088.