Lung Disease Treatment

For patients with lung disease, UPMC Shadyside offers specialized units with nursing staff dedicated to the treatment of such diseases as asthma, emphysema, cystic fibrosis, and lung cancer. In addition to treating specific lung diseases, specialists at UPMC Shadyside treat the breathing disorders associated with sleep.

Rehabilitation services play a large role in improving the quality of life of patients with lung or breathing problems. UPMC Shadyside offers nursing, nutrition services, and respiratory care as well as occupational and physical therapy. Specialists in all these areas work together in a coordinated fashion.

Asthma Treatment
UPMC Shadyside lung specialists have particular expertise in treating asthma, which can both deteriorate quality of life and threaten life. A range of medical treatments designed to improve breathing, stave off asthma attacks, and minimize treatment side effects is available. Alternative approaches to asthma control are provided through UPMC Shadyside's Center for Complementary Medicine.

Emphysema Treatment
UPMC Shadyside specialists offer superb medical care for emphysema, stressing control of symptoms and rehabilitative therapy to offer patients as much independence and freedom from symptoms as possible. For patients with advanced emphysema, referral to clinical trials of emphysema drugs and groundbreaking surgical studies, such as the National Emphysema Treatment Trial, is available.

Cystic Fibrosis Treatment
Many of the specialists at UPMC Shadyside have more than 20 years of experience in the care of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Cutting-edge developments in CF care are available to both inpatients and outpatients.

Lung Cancer Treatment
UPMC Shadyside lung specialists offer coordinated care for patients with lung cancer. Treatment plans using protocols in conjunction with UPMC Cancer Centers thoracic and radiation oncology specialists can provide patients with the latest advances in therapy, ranging from photodynamic therapy to radiation implants to advanced chemotherapy protocols.

Treatment for Sleep-Associated Breathing Disorders
UPMC Shadyside pulmonary sleep medicine specialists offer excellence in diagnosing and treating sleep-associated breathing disorders. Treatment for these conditions can help patients get more rest at night, improve quality of life, and prevent life-threatening apnea episodes.

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