Family and Friends

Having a friend or loved one receive a LAM diagnosis is devastating. By learning all you can about LAM and how it may affect them, you can help your loved one, and yourself, deal with the disease. Many people have found that educating themselves about LAM and learning what they can do to support their loved one has brought them a sense of empowerment and even hope.

What You Need to Know About LAM

Lymphangioleiomyomatosis, better known as LAM, is a progressive, frequently fatal lung disease. It affects women almost exclusively, usually striking during the prime of their life.
A person with LAM typically experiences symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, chronic cough, fatigue or one or more lung collapses.
LAM is characterized by an unusual type of smooth muscle cell that invades all tissues of the lungs and grows uncontrollably. Over time, the LAM cells obstruct the flow of air, 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, patients may have very limited mobility, require oxygen, and as a last resort lung transplantation.

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

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