LAM Action

LAM affects different patients in different ways. The main problem usually is breathlessness, particularly when patients exert themselves. This is due to the effect of the cells on the airways and also to the cysts which take up space in the lungs. Some people are breathless due to the development of fluid around the lung (known as a pleural effusion). The fluid is usually milky (chylous) and occurs when the lymph vessels are blocked. Occasionally some lymph is coughed up as sticky whitish phlegm. Similarly because LAM can affect the blood vessels in the lung some patients cough up blood from time to time.

For many patients with LAM the first sign of the disorder is when they develop a collapsed lung, known as a pneumothorax. This occurs when one of the cysts bursts and air leaks into the space around the lung. A pneumothorax usually causes sudden onset of breathlessness, often with a sharp pain, and it requires treatment in hospital (see Is there any treatment for LAM). If the pneumothorax recurs a small operation may be needed. The operation will prevent a further pneumothorax though some patients continue to be aware of occasional gurgling in their chest after the operation