Best Vermont Thoracic Surgeons

Cystic Fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited disease. The defect occurs in epithelial (lining) cells. These cells normally create a mucus. The mucus is a vital tool for many organs. CF causes the cells to produce a very thick and rubbery mucus. This most commonly causes: Obstructions and infections of the lungs and airwaysMalabsorption in the gastrointestinal system (stomach and intestines)

Asthma-Adult
Asthma is inflammation and narrowing of the bronchial tubes. Air travels in and out of the lungs through these tubes.



Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease COPD
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is a chronic, treatable lung disease in which the airways become narrowed and restrict airflow out of the lungs, making breathing very difficult. The condition is most often caused by smoking cigarettes. The two most common forms of COPD are: Emphysema and Chronic Bronchitis. Although these diseases often occur together, you may have symptoms more characteristic of one than the other. Typically, patients with COPD have chronic shortness of breath and a chronic cough, frequently with coughing up phlegm.

Lung Cancer
Lung Cancer is a disease in which cancer cells grow in the lungs.



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Asthma
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the lining of the airways, causing bronchospasm.

The airways become inflamed and swollen and produce extra mucus. Episodes of asthma (called asthma attacks) occur when the airways narrow, making it difficult to breathe.

Esophageal Cancer
Esophageal cancer is a malignant growth of tissues that line the inner surface of the esophagus.

The esophagus is the tube that connects your throat with your stomach. It runs the length of your chest, between your lungs, behind your heart, and in close proximity to your back bone. The esophagus is a complex, four-layered muscular organ. It propels food into your stomach with a series of rhythmic contractions. The layers of the esophagus include the mucosa, submucosa, muscularis propria, and adventitia. The depth of cancer invasion is important in regards to determining the stage, prognosis, and appropriate treatment.

Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic disease. It causes inflammation and fibrosis (scarring) of tissue in the lungs. It occurs most often in people aged 50-70.

Idiopathic Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH) is a rare disease. It is high blood pressure in the blood vessels of the lungs.

A person with PPH has extra muscle in the walls of these blood vessels. That extra muscle makes it more difficult for blood to flow through them. As a result, the right side of the heart has to work harder to push blood to the lungs. This additional strain can eventually lead to heart failure.

Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension Of The Newborn
Persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPHN) of the newborn is a relatively rare, yet potentially very serious condition. It can cause both immediate and long-term complications and health concerns. PPHN affects approximately one in every 500-1500 births.

Asthma-Child
Air travels in and out of the lungs through bronchial tubes. Asthma is a chronic inflammation of these tubes. This inflammation causes airways to narrow. This makes it hard to breath. There are different degrees of asthma. Some people may have very mild asthma with rare flare-ups. Others may have a severe, constant asthma.