Lung Transplant

Lung transplant is needed when lungs become so damaged by disease that they can no longer get oxygen and carbon dioxide in and out of the blood, this is called end-stage lung disease. If because of any disease condition, the lungs are not able to perform their function effectively and the same cannot be treated with medications, Lung Transplant is the only option.

Here are the few diseases in which lung transplant can be a treatment option:

1. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) It refers to a group of diseases that have one thing in common i.e. ability to blow air completely out of the lungs.

   • Emphysema It is a destructive disease of the lung in which the alveoli (small sacs) that promote oxygen exchange between the air and the bloodstream are destroyed. Smoking is the primary cause of emphysema, which makes it a preventable illness.

   • Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AAT deficiency) it is an inherited condition that raises your risk for lung and liver disease. Alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) is a protein that protects the lungs.

   • Bronchiolitis It is blockage of the small airway in the lungs due to a viral infection as these airways become inflamed; they swell and fill with mucus, which can make breathing difficult. It usually occurs in young children and infants.

   • Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) People suffering from LAM, abnormal muscle-like cells begin to grow out of control in certain organs or tissues, especially the lungs, lymph nodes, and kidneys. Over time, these LAM cells can destroy the normal lung tissue. It is rare and occurs exclusively in young women.

   • Eosinophilic granuloma Eosinophilic granuloma, also known as pulmonary histiocytosis X (PHX) or pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis X (PLCH), is an uncommon interstitial lung disease that is epidemiologically related to tobacco smoking. It chiefly affects young adults, primarily occurring in the third or fourth decades of life.

2. Interstitial Lung Diseases Interstitial lung disease (ILD), is a group of lung diseases affecting the tissue and space around the air sacs of the lungs. Symptoms include a dry cough. Shortness of breath can occur either at rest or after exertion.

   • Pulmonary fibrosis Pulmonary fibrosis is the abnormal formation of scar tissue in the lungs. This thickened, stiff tissue makes it more difficult for your lungs to work properly over time.

   • Sarcoidosis Sarcoidosis is a disease that results from a specific type of inflammation of tissues of the body. It can appear in almost any body organ, but it starts most often in the lungs or lymph nodes.

   • Scleroderma The word “scleroderma” comes from two Greek words: “sclero” meaning hard, and “derma” meaning skin. Scleroderma is a rare, autoimmune condition in which the body produces too much collagen, causing the skin and connective tissue to thicken.

3. Airway Diseases Airway diseases are highly prevalent worldwide; however, the prevalence of these diseases is underestimated. Although these diseases have several common characteristics, they have different clinical outcomes. The difference between asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and bronchiectasis in the early stage of disease is extremely important for the adoption of appropriate therapeutic measures.

   • Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Cystic fibrosis is an inherited condition that leads to recurrent sinus and pulmonary infections, as well as gastrointestinal problems.
     In the lungs, this mucus blocks the airways, causing lung damage and making it hard to breathe. CF is a life-threatening condition, but thanks to advances in treatment and care, the average life expectancy has been steadily increasing and quality of life has improved.

   • Bronchiectasis Bronchiectasis is a disease in which there is permanent enlargement of the airways of the lung. This results in frequent infections and blockages of the airways. There is no cure for bronchiectasis, but it is manageable. With treatment, you can typically live a normal life.

4. Pulmonary Hypertension Pulmonary hypertension is a condition in which there is high blood pressure in the lung arteries. People suffering from this disease feel breathless and tired. It can occur alone or with other illnesses.

   • Idiopathic Any disease that is of uncertain or unknown origin may be termed idiopathic.

   • Eisenmenger’s Syndrome secondary to a heart defect, or Interstitial lung diseases Eisenmenger syndrome is a condition that results from abnormal blood circulation caused by a defect in the heart. Most often, people with this condition are born with a hole between the two pumping chambers -- the left and right ventricles -- of the heart. The hole allows blood that has already picked up oxygen from the lungs to flow back into the lungs, instead of going out to the rest of the body.