Amrita Hospital Launches ILD and Sarcoidosis Clinics for Severe Lung Conditions

Amrita Hospital, Kochi, inaugurated two groundbreaking specialized clinics, the First-Ever Dedicated Sarcoidosis Clinic and the new ILD (Interstitial Lung Disease) Clinic.

These state-of-the-art clinics have been meticulously designed to cater to suspected or established intestinal diseases, pulmonology issues, and sarcoidosis. They bring together a dedicated team of multidisciplinary experts, including pulmonologists, rheumatologists, pathologists, and radiologists, committed to providing holistic care and support to individuals diagnosed with Sarcoidosis or ILD, said the hospital.

The ILD Clinic addresses a critical need for treating this rare lung condition that often requires lung transplants, though still in its early stages in India. Unfortunately, with a survival rate of around 5 years and a higher incidence in male smokers above 60, the potential for fatality is a concern. Conversely, the ‘Sarcoidosis Clinic’ focuses on a curable condition that if started swift treatment can be cured within a span of 2 years. These clinics mark significant progress in addressing complex medical challenges and is a vital initiative designed to confront the escalating challenges posed by these conditions in the Indian landscape.

During the inauguration ceremony at BUILD Summit-24, organized in collaboration with the Indian Chest Society, Professor Athol Wells, a distinguished expert in Respiratory Medicine from Imperial College, London, officially inaugurated the specialized clinics. Emphasizing the significance of these clinics, Professor Wells remarked, “The launch of both these clinics broadens the scope of diagnosis and treatment, prioritizing a patient-centric approach to enhance the overall quality of life. These clinics offer a valuable opportunity to address the pressing healthcare needs associated with Sarcoidosis and ILDs, marking a significant leap forward in healthcare services in Kerala and adjacent states. It is a privilege to witness the clinic’s opening, highlighting the critical need for its services. Raising awareness among general practitioners and paramedical professionals is crucial to considering the possibility of interstitial lung disease early in the diagnostic process. The general public may not prioritize these disorders, it is within the medical community’s hands to enhance awareness and expedite diagnosis for improved patient outcomes.”

Sarcoidosis and Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) are distinct respiratory conditions. Sarcoidosis, a rare inflammatory disorder primarily affecting the lungs and lymph nodes caused by unknown factors and often involves corticosteroid treatment. ILD encompasses a group of lung disorders characterized by interstitial tissue inflammation and scarring, with causes ranging from environmental factors to autoimmune diseases. Symptoms include shortness of breath and cough, with treatment depending on the specific ILD type, involving medications, oxygen therapy, or lung transplantation. Both conditions necessitate thorough medical assessment for accurate diagnosis and appropriate management.