Pulmonology

Interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) are a group of conditions that cause inflammation or scarring in the lungs. When an ILD causes scarring, it’s known as pulmonary fibrosis. This scarring can cause your lungs to become stiff, which makes it harder to breathe.

To care for you, our team creates a customized treatment plan based on your specific type of ILD. We offer treatment options and services aimed at slowing down the damage caused by ILD and improving your ability to do normal activities. Some of your options include:

• Medication management
• Oxygen therapy
• Pulmonary rehabilitation, which includes exercise training, breathing techniques, and more to improve your activity level
• Clinical trials
• Lung transplant for advanced disease

Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas is one of only two hospitals in the Metroplex to become a part of the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (PFF) Care Center Network (CCN). This network of medical centers has shown expertise in providing a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to care for those with pulmonary fibrosis. We also support PFF’s walk each year.

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic condition that affects the cells in your body that produce mucus, sweat, saliva and more. In your lungs, mucus can build up and trap bacteria, which leads to infections and inflammation. Cystic fibrosis often worsens over time and requires consistent, specialized care.

Because cystic fibrosis affects your body in many ways, we provide care that treats you as a whole person. Members of our team have extensive experience in helping better control the symptoms of this condition. For example, our chief of pulmonary medicine was a part of a Cystic Fibrosis Foundation council that developed guidelines for the treatment and care of cystic fibrosis. Some of your treatment options may include:

• Medication management
• Techniques to clear your airways
• Dietitian services
• Lung transplant for advanced disease

Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas is also involved with the Northeast Texas Chapter - Dallas of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. We sponsor several events throughout the year.

Pulmonary hypertension means you have high blood pressure in the arteries of your lungs. If left untreated, it can lead to difficulty breathing, heart failure or irregular heartbeats. There are many types of pulmonary hypertension, and it’s often complex, so it requires dedicated care from multiple specialists.

Because pulmonary hypertension has many different causes, our program specializes in precisely diagnosing and managing your specific condition. We work together so that you receive personalized care backed by research and advanced options. Treatment may include:

• Oral, IV or inhaled medications
• Oxygen therapy
• Dietitian services
• Clinical trials
• Lung transplant for advanced disease

Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas has been a supporter of the Pulmonary Hypertension Association for many years. We’re also a proud sponsor of the organization’s Annual Zebra PHest 5K and PHun Walk.

Asthma is a common chronic lung condition. People with asthma often have shortness of breath from exercise and competitive sports or other breathing problems. Fortunately, if you’re living with asthma, you have many options to manage—and sometimes prevent—your symptoms.

Located at the Center for Advanced Heart and Lung Disease, the Martha Foster Lung Care Center offers you a specialized asthma care program with numerous services to help you breathe better. Features include:

• Testing to confirm the diagnosis and assess the severity of the disease
• Development of an environmental control strategy based on a patient’s "triggers"
• Patient and family asthma education based on individual patient needs
• Research and staff education
• Adult asthma programs
• Rules of Two^® to help patients determine if they need more powerful asthma medication
• Bronchial thermoplasty, which may offer a life-long reduction in severe asthma attacks

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a group of conditions that includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis. When you have COPD, reduced airflow in your lungs causes shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing or other symptoms. These symptoms can range from mild to severe.

We offer several treatment options for COPD, from medication management to minimally invasive lung volume reduction surgery. Through our pulmonary rehabilitation program, we’re dedicated to helping you manage your COPD and return to a more active and productive lifestyle. The program includes:

• Coping/Stress management
• Home exercise programs
• Lung medication
• Infection control
• Breathing techniques
• Energy conservation
• Oxygen and equipment