Be aware of the fatal lung diesease LAM

A deadly lung disease is attacking thousands of young women in their childbearing years. Few women are aware of it and few health care professionals know what to look for.

This fatal disease is called LAM (Lymphangioleiomyomatosis) and the women who suffer from it don't "look" sick. In reality, LAM cells have created holes in their lungs and will eventually make it impossible for them to even walk across the room without struggling to breathe. Victims eventually suffocate - sometimes months, sometimes years - after diagnosis.

Scientists estimate that hundreds of thousands of women with LAM are going undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. The symptoms are so common that these women are often told they have asthma, chronic bronchitis or emphysema. Some doctors may tell them that their shortness of breath is due to pregnancy or being out of shape. Unfortunately, some women may never know that LAM is the culprit.

Over the last 12 years, the LAM Foundation has brought hope to the LAM community by raising awareness and acting as a resource for women. The Foundation has been the driving force behind major scientific breakthroughs for LAM. These discoveries have led to the first-ever LAM drug trial to testy a potential treatment, which is currently enrolling patients. Additionally, scientists now know that research of LAM will help us understand more about other diseases that affect millions of American adults and children, including breast cancer, diabetes, obesity and even autism.

The LAM Foundation hopes that by increasing awareness about the symptoms of LAM, we can help more women get an early and accurate diagnosis. Currently 95 percent of women diagnosed are Caucasian; therefore, reaching out to the broadest possible population is imperative.

With your help, we can reach and educate women about this disease and make a difference for women with LAM. Visit thelamfoundation.org for more information.