Patients & Families
Lymphangioleiomyomatosis, better known as LAM, is a progressive lung disease that typically strikes women in the prime of their lives – most often during their childbearing years. Unfortunately, most women and many health care providers, including pulmonary specialists, are unaware of its existence or symptoms.
What You Need to Know About LAM
- Lymphangioleiomyomatosis, or LAM, is a progressive lung disease that affects women.
- LAM is a devastating disease, striking women during the most productive years of their lives.
- The diagnosis of LAM can be difficult because many of the early symptoms are similar to those of other, more common lung disorders, including asthma, emphysema and bronchitis.
- LAM is characterised by an unusual type of smooth muscle cell that invades tissues of the lungs. Over time, the LAM cells create holes in the lungs, preventing the lungs from providing oxygen to the rest of the body and making breathing a daily battle.
- In early stages of LAM, most patients can go about their daily activities, but as the disease progresses, the patient may require oxygen, and as a last resort, lung transplantation.
- Take care of yourself. Adopt a healthy lifestyle and be sensitive to the physical limitations you may have due to impaired lung function.