Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (Lam)

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• QWhat is lymphangioleiomyomatosis?

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  A Parkland Medical Center answered

  Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a rare, eventually deadly lung disease that usually occurs in women during adulthood, usually during the years that they're most likely to bear children. With LAM, smooth muscle tissue begins to grow uncontrollably in the body, particularly in the lungs, lymph nodes, and kidneys. Eventually, these cells can destroy the regular tissue, causing the lungs to stop functioning properly.

• QWhat increases my risk for lymphangioleiomyomatosis?

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  A Parkland Medical Center answered

  Because the cause of lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is not known, it is not entirely known what increases a person's risk. However, except for rare cases, LAM is only found in women, so women are at heightened risk. Young to middle-aged people are also at risk, as most women who get LAM are between the ages of 20 and 40. Women who have tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) are more likely to have LAM than those who don't.

• QWhat are the symptoms of lymphangioleiomyomatosis?

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  A Parkland Medical Center answered

  There are a number of common symptoms associated with lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM), including shortness of breath during physical exertion, chest pain that increases when inhaling, coughing that may include bloody phlegm, and wheezing. These symptoms may get progressively worse. Other, more serious symptoms include collapsed lung, body fluids building up inside the lungs, and swollen lymph nodes.

• QWhat are the treatment options for lymphangioleiomyomatosis?

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  A Parkland Medical Center answered

  Unfortunately, there are no current treatments available to keep lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) cells and cysts from growing. Treatments for LAM consist of lessening the painful effects and preventing complications. These treatments include oxygen therapy, fluid removal from the lungs and chest, medicines that increase air flow to the lungs, lung transplants, and hormone therapy. A new medicine, Rapamycin, is being tested for its ability to improve the lung function of people suffering from LAM.

• QHow do I manage my lymphangioleiomyomatosis on a daily basis?

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  A Parkland Medical Center answered

  Because there is no cure for lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM), the most important aspect of daily management is staying as healthy as possible. Eating a well-balanced diet, exercising as much as the condition will allow, and quitting smoking can keep people with LAM healthy and active. People with LAM should get an annual flu shot, as well as a pneumonia shot every five years, to help keep their lungs healthy.

• QHow do I care for someone with lymphangioleiomyomatosis?

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  A Parkland Medical Center answered

  Because there is no cure for lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM), the most important aspect of caring for people with LAM involves keeping them healthy. Make sure they are eating a well-balanced diet, exercising as much as their condition will allow, and (if they smoke) helping them quit smoking can give people with LAM a higher quality of life. People with LAM should get an annual flu shot, as well as a pneumonia shot every five years to help keep their lungs healthy.

• QIs there a cure for lymphangioleiomyomatosis?

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  A Parkland Medical Center answered

  Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM). Medications for people with LAM are available, but they are used to lessen the effects on your body and prevent complications. A new medicine, Rapamycin, however, is currently being tested for its ability to control the growth of LAM cells and improve the lung function of people with LAM.

• QShould I talk to my doctor about my lymphangioleiomyomatosis symptoms?

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  A Parkland Medical Center answered

  You should talk to your doctor if you are experiencing symptoms of lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM). LAM symptoms include trouble breathing, chest pain, coughing with bloody phlegm, a build up of fluids in the lung, and collapsed lung. Even if the cause of your problems isn't LAM, each of these symptoms is potentially serious, and they get progressively worse if left untreated. It's best to talk to your doctor about treatment options as soon as possible.