Lung
When a child's lungs are severely damaged and no longer able to work effectively, lung transplants become a necessary treatment option. The most common reasons for lung transplants in kids include cystic fibrosis, a genetic disease that causes thick mucus buildup in the lungs, leading to lung damage and respiratory problems. Another common reason is pulmonary hypertension, a condition characterized by high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs, which can result in heart and lung damage. Children with severe lung diseases such as bronchiolitis obliterans or idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis may also require a lung transplant. Rare conditions like primary ciliary dyskinesia or alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency can contribute to lung failure as well. Lung transplantation provides an opportunity for children to regain lung function and improve their quality of life, allowing them to breathe more easily and engage in regular activities.
Resources
Support
American Lung Association: https://www.lung.org/
The American Lung Association's mission is to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease. We do this through education, advocacy, and research.
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Cystic Fibrosis Foundation: https://www.cff.org/
The mission of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is to cure cystic fibrosis and to provide all people with CF the opportunity to lead long, fulfilling lives by funding research and drug development, partnering with the CF community, and advancing high-quality, specialized care.
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Pulmonary Hypertension Association: https://phassociation.org
PHA has many programs, including a network of 200-plus patient and caregiver support groups, lifesaving early diagnosis awareness and education programs, specialty care resources, and research to prevent and cure PH.