Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency, LAM, & Rare Lung Diseases

What is LAM?

LAM is a rare cystic lung disease that almost always affects young females. It may occur for no reason (sporadic) or be associated with the disease Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC). Patients often present with shortness of breath, cough, or chest pain from a lung collapse. The LAM clinic at UF Shands is accredited by the LAM Foundation.

What is Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis (PAP)?

PAP is a rare lung disease where there is build-up of proteins and othe substances in the lungs resulting in inability to exchange oxygen efficiently with the blood. Patients develop symptoms of shortness of breath, chronic cough and recurrent infections. Diagnosis can be made with a special blood test. Symptomatic patients may need to have their lung washed to clear out the proteins and other substances, a procedure called whole lung lavage. For more information on PAP please visit: https://www.papfoundation/org

Other Rare Lung Diseases

Our Clinic also specializes in diagnosing and treating patients with other forms of rare lung diseases such as Pulmonary, Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis (PLCH), Hermansky-Pudlak Syndrome (HPS), and other rare lung diseases.

Clinic Location and Hours

  • The Alpha-1, LAM, and Rare Lung Disease Clinic is located in the Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties Clinic, which is on the third floor of the Shands Medical Plaza. The clinics are held on the second and fourth Wednesdays of every month from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

How to make an Appointment

  • New Patients as well as Returning Patients should call 352-273-8740.

Medical Professionals

Associate Director, Rare Lung Disease Program

Ali Ataya

Associate Director, Pulmonary Hypertension Program; Pulmonary Program Director, Select Specialty Hospital – Gainesville

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