Do You Need a Lung Transplant?

Lung disease is called end-stage when it has significantly worsened. Your lungs have a difficult time supplying the body with oxygen and pushing out gases like carbon dioxide. As a result, you may tire easily, become short of breath, wheeze or cough all the time.

If treatments such as medications and supplemental oxygen do not help, your doctor may recommend a lung transplant. The expert team at Henry Ford has been performing lung transplants since 1994.

Causes of lung failure

Common causes of lung failure include:

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including emphysema
• Pulmonary fibrosis (scarring of the lungs)
• Sarcoidosis (inflammation of the lungs)
• Pulmonary hypertension (increased pressure in the arteries of the lungs)
• Genetic lung disease, such as cystic fibrosis or alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency

Screening for lung transplant surgery

You must complete several medical tests before you can be considered for a lung transplant. These tests include:

• Physical exam, including medical history
• Blood and tissue typing
• Blood tests, including tests for HIV and hepatitis
• Lung culture
• Lung and kidney function tests
• Urinalysis
• Imaging, including chest X-ray and computed tomography (CT) chest scan
• Heart tests, including echocardiogram (ECG), electrocardiogram (EKG) and heart catheterization

Additional lung transplant requirements

To move forward with the lung transplant process, you also must meet additional criteria:

• Complete a mental health assessment: This testing identifies issues that may negatively affect your transplant process and recovery.
• Abstain from substance use: You must not consume alcohol or use tobacco products or prohibited substances for at least 6 months prior to your transplant. You should avoid these substances after your transplant as well. Henry Ford offers addiction treatment and tobacco treatment services.
• Form a support team: You will need a committed network of caregivers who can help you during your recovery.