Table | Stanford Health Care

1 The lung: from illness to transplant
1 • Interstitial lung diseases can be unpredictable. Their symptoms can vary from mild to severe. • Symptoms can include shortness of breath, fatigue and weakness, dry cough, labored breathing, chest discomfort, fatigue and weakness. • What causes such illnesses remains under study. Environment, however, can play a major role. Family history, radiation and some medications can also contribute. • Diagnosis may include pulmonary function tests, bronchoscopy, blood tests, X-rays or CT scans. • Treatment choices can be influenced by age, overall health, extent of the disease and tolerance of medication. • According to the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network, about 1,800 lung transplants took place in the US in 2010. Stanford Hospital performs between 50 and 60 lung transplants annually, which places it in the top 10 for lung transplant volume. • Of the 30 heart-lung transplants in the US, eight were done at Stanford. The average waiting time for a lung transplant at Stanford is between 45-90 days; the national average is nine months. • Potential donors must be 18. Registration is available online at Donate Life California, or when renewing or obtaining a California Drivers License or California ID card. There are no disqualifying age or health condition requirements to register.

• Interstitial lung diseases can be unpredictable. Their symptoms can vary from mild to severe.

• Symptoms can include shortness of breath, fatigue and weakness, dry cough, labored breathing, chest discomfort, fatigue and weakness.

• What causes such illnesses remains under study. Environment, however, can play a major role. Family history, radiation and some medications can also contribute.

• Diagnosis may include pulmonary function tests, bronchoscopy, blood tests, X-rays or CT scans.

• Treatment choices can be influenced by age, overall health, extent of the disease and tolerance of medication.

• According to the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network, about 1,800 lung transplants took place in the US in 2010. Stanford Hospital performs between 50 and 60 lung transplants annually, which places it in the top 10 for lung transplant volume.

• Of the 30 heart-lung transplants in the US, eight were done at Stanford. The average waiting time for a lung transplant at Stanford is between 45-90 days; the national average is nine months.

• Potential donors must be 18. Registration is available online at Donate Life California, or when renewing or obtaining a California Drivers License or California ID card. There are no disqualifying age or health condition requirements to register.