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Interstitial Lung Disease Center - Pocatello, ID

Pocatello 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

Pocatello, Idaho

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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 Pocatello

  • In case of Emergency, call 911

Nearby Pocatello Hospitals *

Portneuf Medical Center West Campus
651 Memorial Dr
Pocatello, ID 83201
(208)239-1000

Portneuf Medical Center East Campus
777 Hospital Way
Pocatello, ID 83201
(208)239-1000

Beacon Hospital & Rehabilitation
1200 Hospital Way
Pocatello, ID 83201
(208)232-2570

Harms Memorial Hospital
510 Roosevelt St
American Falls, ID 83211
(208)226-3200

State Hospital South
700 E Alice St
Blackfoot, ID 83221
(208)785-1200

Bingham Memorial Hospital
98 Poplar St
Blackfoot, ID 83221
(208)785-4100

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