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Interstitial Lung Disease Center - Des Moines, IA

Des Moines Pulmonologist Doctors for Interstitial Lung Disease

Type of Physician: Pulmonologist

What is a Pulmonologist?

A subspecialty certification by the Board of Internal Medicine; practitioners focus on diseases of the lungs and airways. The pulmonologist diagnoses and treats pneumonia, cancer, asthma, occupational diseases, sleep disorders, emphysema, and other complex disorders of the lungs. Pulmonologists evaluate lung function, examine the bronchial airways, and prescribe and monitor mechanical ventilation. Many pulmonary disease experts are also expert in critical care.

Specialty: Pulmonary Disease

Common Name: Lung Doctor

Pulmonologist Doctors in Des Moines *

Des Moines University Clinic
Donald R Shumate
3200 Grand Ave
Des Moines, IA 50312
(515) 271-1700

T K Narayan MD
Tamarisa K Narayan
939 Office Park Rd
STE 308
West Des Moines, IA 50265
(515) 280-1252

The Iowa Clinic Lung Center
Angela S Collins
5950 University Ave
STE 131
West Des Moines, IA 50266
(515) 875-9550

The Iowa Clinic Lung Center
Amerlon Enriquez
5950 University Ave
STE 131
West Des Moines, IA 50266
(515) 875-9550

The Iowa Clinic Lung Center
Adam J Glazier
5950 University Ave
STE 131
West Des Moines, IA 50266
(515) 875-9550

The Iowa Clinic Lung Center
Katrina A Guest
5950 University Ave
STE 131
West Des Moines, IA 50266
(515) 875-9550

The Iowa Clinic Lung Center
Gregory A Hicklin
5950 University Ave
STE 131
West Des Moines, IA 50266
(515) 875-9550

McFarland Clinic - Pulmonology
Steven R Wanzek
1215 Duff Ave
Ames, IA 50010
(515) 239-4422

Trimark Physicians Group
Elizabeth Day
800 Kenyon Rd
Fort Dodge, IA 50501
(515) 574-6845

Trimark Physicians Group
James C Meyer
800 Kenyon Rd
Fort Dodge, IA 50501
(515) 574-6845

Iowa Health Internal Medicine
Kenneth S Wayne
1005 Pennsylvania Ave
STE STE 104
Ottumwa, IA 52501
(641) 682-4594

Des Moines, Iowa

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Interstitial Lung Disease

What is interstitial lung disease?

Interstitial lung disease is a term used to refer to a particular type of inflammation of the interstitium of the lungs. The interstitium is the tissue that surrounds and separates the tiny air sacs (alveolae) in the lungs. Interstitial lung disease involves an inflammation of this supportive tissue between the air sacs rather than inflammation in the air sacs themselves. Interstitial inflammation is typically a diffuse process that occurs all over the lungs and is not confined to one location.

Sometimes the term "interstitial pneumonia" is used for certain forms of interstitial lung disease. Technically, however, the term "pneumonia" refers to inflammation of the lung tissue that is usually associated with infection. Because interstitial lung disease has a number of causes (most of which are not related to infection), the term "interstitial pneumonitis" is occasionally used to refer to the inflammation that occurs in the absence of true infection.

What causes interstitial lung disease?

Interstitial lung disease is felt to be caused by a misdirected immune or healing reaction to a number of factors, including:

  • infections of the lungs;
  • toxins in the environment (such as asbestos, silica dust);
  • certain medications (particularly some drugs used as chemotherapy for cancers);
  • radiation therapy to the chest; and
  • chronic autoimmune diseases: connective tissue diseases such as lupus, scleroderma, and rheumatoid arthritis

Sometimes, the process of inflammation and scarring of the interstitial tissues of the lungs develops in the absence of a known cause. When no cause can be identified, this is referred to as idiopathic (unknown cause) interstitial lung disease or idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Depending upon the location, sever...

Recommended Reading Related to Interstitial Lung Disease

Chronic Cough »

What is chronic cough?

Chronic cough is a cough that persists. Chronic cough is not a disease in itself; rather it is a symptom of an underlying condition. Chronic cough is a common problem and the reason for many doctor visits.

What are causes of chronic cough?

Some common causes of chronic cough include asthma, allergic rhinitis, sinus problems (for example sinus infection), and esophageal reflux of stomach contents. In rare occasions, chronic cough may be the result of aspiration of foreign objects into the lungs (usually in children). It is very important to see a doctor who may order a chest X-ray if a chronic cough is present. The following are common causes of chronic coughing.

  • Cigarette smoking actually is the most common cause of chronic cough.
  • Asthma is a disease of airways, resulting in difficulty breathing or wheezing often characterized by abnormal breathing...

Emergency Contact for Des Moines

  • In case of Emergency, call 911

Nearby Des Moines Hospitals *

Mercy Medical Center Des Moines
1111 6th Ave
Des Moines, IA 50314
(515)247-3121

Iowa Lutheran Hospital
700 E University Ave
Des Moines, IA 50316
(515)263-5612

Blank Children's Hospital
1200 Pleasant St
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515)241-5437

Iowa Methodist Medical Center
1200 Pleasant St
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515)241-6212

Broadlawns Medical Center
1801 Hickman Rd
Des Moines, IA 50314
(515)282-2200

VA Central Iowa Health Care Des Moines
3600 30th St
Des Moines, IA 50310
(515)699-5999

Mercy Franklin Center
1818 48th St
Des Moines, IA 50310
(515)271-6000

Madison County Healthcare System
300 Hutchings St
Winterset, IA 50273
(515)462-2373

Dallas County Hospital
610 Tenth St
Perry, IA 50220
(515)465-3547

Skiff Medical Center
204 N Fourth Ave E
Newton, IA 50208
(641)792-1273

Story County Medical Center
630 Sixth St
Nevada, IA 50201
(515)382-2111

Mary Greeley Medical Center
1111 Duff Ave
Ames, IA 50010
(515)239-2011

VA Central Iowa Health Care Knoxville
1515 W Pleasant St
Knoxville, IA 50138
(641)842-3101

Knoxville Hospital & Clinics
1002 S Lincoln St
Knoxville, IA 50138
(641)842-2151

Boone County Hospital
1015 Union St
Boone, IA 50036
(515)432-3140

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