Patients with LAM

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 almost exclusively.
  
• LAM strikes women of all races, usually 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 characterized by an unusual type of smooth muscle cell that invades the 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.
  
• In the 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.

Learn more about the symptoms, cause and treatment of LAM.

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