Lung & respiratory care

Advocate's inpatient and outpatient lung and respiratory services help our patients achieve a better quality of life. We offer a full range of lung treatments and programs, from prevention and diagnostics to lung cancer care and transplants.

To schedule an appointment, call 800-3-ADVOCATE or find a doctor online.

Conditions we treat

We aim to improve respiration for people suffering from these and other lung conditions:

• Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
• Adult cystic fibrosis
• Allergies
• Asthma
• Bronchiectasis
• Chest wall tumors
• Coronary heart disease
• Chronic bronchitis
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD)
• Cystic fibrosis
• Cystic fibrosis-related metabolic syndrome
• Emphysema
• Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
• Interstitial lung disease
• Long COVID
• Lung cancer
• Pulmonary heart disease (pulmonary hypertension)
• Pulmonary fibrosis
• Sarcoidosis
• Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)
• Tuberculosis
• Upper respiratory infection

Advanced services & treatments

Supported by the newest technologies, we specialize in advanced treatments and therapies to prevent, evaluate and treat lung conditions. Advocate's program provides comprehensive, personalized care for patients with advanced lung disease. Our pulmonologists, licensed respiratory therapists, EEG and EKG technicians and polysomnographers are equipped to care for all patients, from premature infants to the elderly.

Diagnostic procedures:

• Pulmonary (lung) function testing
• Indirect calorimetry
• Arterial blood gas sampling and analysis
• Pulmonary exercise testing
• Pulse oximetry
• Lung cancer screening

Treatments and therapies:

• Adult and infant ventilator care
• Bronchial thermoplasty for severe asthma
• Bronchodilator therapy
• Chest physiotherapy
• Oxygen therapy
• Pulmonary rehabilitation
• Mediastinal resections (removal of chest tumors)
• Chest wall procedures
• Robotic-assisted thoracic surgery
• Advanced airway procedures (interventional bronchoscopy)
• Chest tissue biopsies
• Interventional pulmonology

Cancer screening program

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. People with lung cancer often don’t experience symptoms until the cancer has reached an advanced stage when it is most difficult to treat. For smokers and for those at highest risk, Advocate hospitals provide screenings to detect lung cancer early when treatment is most effective. Medicare and most insurance plans cover the screening for those eligible.

Learn more about Advocate's lung cancer screening program.

Pulmonary heart disease program

Advocate’s cardiac and pulmonary specialists are experts in diagnosing and treating pulmonary heart disease and a related condition known as pulmonary hypertension. Pulmonary rehabilitation following heart or lung surgery is crucial to a successful recovery, and our physicians are ready to help.

Learn more about Advocate's pulmonary heart disease program.

Bronchoscopic lung volume reduction program

Our bronchoscopic lung volume reduction (BLVR) program offers a minimally invasive treatment option for patients with severe emphysema. This procedure uses endobronchial valves to help restore lung function and reduce symptoms without surgery.

BLVR can improve breathing, increase activity levels and enhance overall well-being. It’s ideal for patients who continue to experience shortness of breath despite therapy. Our expert team guides patients through every step of the process.

Lung transplants

If you have exhausted all treatment options for serious pulmonary conditions, lung transplantation could prolong and dramatically improve the quality of your life. You can often return to work or school and resume activities like travel and sports.

Ongoing support

Advocate's pulmonologists work closely with any health care support services you may need to coordinate ongoing care and speed recovery. We can also connect you with local programs, including smoking cessation groups and fitness classes, to help you maintain healthy lungs.

Find a class or group.

Specialty clinics & support

We’re committed to helping patients manage and recover from a wide range of lung and breathing conditions. Whether you’re recovering from illness, living with a chronic condition or seeking community support, our clinics provide personalized care and education.

Post-COVID Recovery Clinic

Recovery from COVID-19 can be complex, with lingering symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog and shortness of breath affecting daily life. The multidisciplinary team at our Post-COVID Recovery Clinic includes experienced providers and nurse navigators who play a vital role in coordinating treatments, referrals and ongoing support. They ensure each patient receives timely and effective care.

Adult Cystic Fibrosis Clinic

We understand the unique challenges adults living with cystic fibrosis face, and the team at our Adult Cystic Fibrosis Clinic provides a collaborative approach to treatment. Our team includes pulmonologists, respiratory therapists, physical therapists, social workers, dieticians and nurse coordinators. We can also connect you with a rheumatologist as needed.

Our priority is to improve quality of life through personalized care plans, education and ongoing support. In addition to outpatient appointments, an adult cystic fibrosis nurse care coordinator provides support throughout your hospital stay.

Interstitial Lung Disease and Pulmonary Fibrosis Clinic

The Interstitial Lung Disease and Pulmonary Fibrosis Clinic team treats patients managing complex lung conditions. With support from respiratory therapists, physical therapists, nurse coordinators and other specialists, our team works closely with patients and their families to navigate diagnosis, treatment and long-term care.

Better Breathers Support Group

The Better Breathers Support Group at Advocate Christ Medical Center provides a welcoming space for individuals and caregivers navigating chronic lung diseases, including COPD, asthma, pulmonary fibrosis and lung cancer.

Led by a trained facilitator from the American Lung Association, these sessions offer education on breathing techniques, medications, supplemental oxygen and more. Participants gain valuable insights and emotional support from others who understand their journey.

Meetings are held in the outpatient pavilion on the 8th floor every other month.