ILD and Sarcoidosis Program

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) encompasses a group of lung disorders characterized by inflammation and scarring of lung tissue. The various forms of ILD have different causes, and without treatment, the condition can worsen over time, leading to life-threatening complications. 

If you or a loved one is facing a complex lung disease, you need a team of experts who understand its intricacies. Precise diagnosis, education, and personalized treatments can help you breathe better and live longer. 

ILD is a broad term that includes over 200 types of disorders. Symptoms can include shortness of breath, cough, fatigue, weight loss, pain, and life-threatening complications. Causes may range from allergic reactions and environmental exposure to autoimmune diseases, genetic predisposition, or, in some cases, no known cause, such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). 

Sarcoidosis of the lung is a complicated type of ILD that can affect multiple organ systems, including the heart, skin, joints, brain, and kidneys.

Diagnosing and treating interstitial lung disease (ILD) and sarcoidosis is a collaborative effort, and our program at Penn is recognized worldwide for its comprehensive and expert care. 

When you choose us for ILD or sarcoidosis treatment, you’ll benefit from: 

• Expert pulmonologists: Our board-certified pulmonologists are leaders in ILD, equipped with a deep understanding of the various causes of these complex disorders. They are experienced in recommending the most effective treatments tailored to your needs. 
• Multidisciplinary care team: Your care team includes chest radiologists, lung pathologists, palliative care specialists, pharmacists, and social workers, all trained in lung disease. This diverse team meets regularly to discuss challenging diagnoses, review treatment plans, and ensure you receive specialized attention. 
• Accurate diagnosis: Diagnosing ILD and sarcoidosis can be challenging, but precise diagnosis is critical for effective treatment. Our experts excel at recognizing subtle signs and can often make diagnoses based on imaging alone, minimizing the need for invasive surgical biopsies. 
• Robust research program: We are committed to advancing the understanding of ILD and sarcoidosis through a strong research program that includes patient registries, blood and tissue repositories, genetic testing, and clinical trials for new therapies. 
• Family-focused care: We understand that a complex lung disease diagnosis impacts the entire family. Loved ones are encouraged to participate in treatment discussions, and we offer telemedicine appointments for convenience, along with support groups for patients and families to share experiences and insights. 
• Access to other specialists: Patients with lung diseases often need care from additional specialists, such as rheumatologists, cardiologists, and oncologists. Our extensive network at Penn ensures you receive comprehensive care, collaborating closely with other specialties including Cancer Care, Heart and Vascular Care, and Penn Transplant Institute.