The human body is unarguably impressive. From microscopic cells working in unison, to large life-providing organs that function involuntary, the anatomy is awe-inspiring. Every aspect has a purpose, and consequently the design of the tissue or organ system is the result of form following function. As a result, when an anatomical aspect deviates from its intended shape or composition, the effect can prove detrimental. This occurrence is especially caustic in regards to the respiratory system, which is paramount for staying alive. A prime example of how dangerous a divergence from the typical lung-layout can be is Lymphangioleiomyomatosis. In order to fully understand Lymphangioleiomyomatosis, its symptoms, affected population, cause, and treatments
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By design, the cells that line the lungs are primarily laid in a single, or simple, layer. Consequently, the addition of more cells can prove disastrous. With less room available, air cannot “move freely in and out of the lungs. In some cases, this means the lungs can’t supply the body’s other organs with enough oxygen” (“What Is LAM? - NHLBI, NIH.”). Therefore, LAM can be considered a “multisystem” disorder with symptoms affecting various parts of the body (“Lymphangioleiomyomatosis - NORD (National Organization for Rare Disorders).”). The symptoms, and the severity of them, depends on the type of LAM , such as “Sporadic LAM” or LAM in conjunction with the disease tuberous sclerosis complex. Regardless, some symptoms are more prevalent than others, regardless of the type. Specifically, “50 percent of women who have LAM develop pneumothorax, or collapsed lung”. With this comes pain, shortness of breath, and potential impending respiratory failure (“What Is LAM...). Those suffering from LAM can also experience “chest pain, coughing, wheezing, and coughing up small amounts of blood”, also known as hemoptysis (“Lymphangioleiomyomatosis - NORD...”). Additionally, other symptoms include the accumulation of fluid near the lungs as well as the spread of tumors to other parts of the body, including the kidneys, liver, brain, …show more content…
Yet, different researchers hold different notions. For example, some are looking into connections between the genetic mutation of genes “TSC1” and “TSC2” in relation to LAM that coexists with tuberous sclerosis complex. As far as standard LAM goes, the general consensus of modern research revolves around the idea that female hormones, such as “estrogen and progesterone” are to blame. This is due to the fact that not only is LAM primarily found in women, but that it is present regardless of differences in race, geographic location, or other varying factors (“Lymphangioleiomyomatosis -
By design, the cells that line the lungs are primarily laid in a single, or simple, layer. Consequently, the addition of more cells can prove disastrous. With less room available, air cannot “move freely in and out of the lungs. In some cases, this means the lungs can’t supply the body’s other organs with enough oxygen” (“What Is LAM? - NHLBI, NIH.”). Therefore, LAM can be considered a “multisystem” disorder with symptoms affecting various parts of the body (“Lymphangioleiomyomatosis - NORD (National Organization for Rare Disorders).”). The symptoms, and the severity of them, depends on the type of LAM , such as “Sporadic LAM” or LAM in conjunction with the disease tuberous sclerosis complex. Regardless, some symptoms are more prevalent than others, regardless of the type. Specifically, “50 percent of women who have LAM develop pneumothorax, or collapsed lung”. With this comes pain, shortness of breath, and potential impending respiratory failure (“What Is LAM...). Those suffering from LAM can also experience “chest pain, coughing, wheezing, and coughing up small amounts of blood”, also known as hemoptysis (“Lymphangioleiomyomatosis - NORD...”). Additionally, other symptoms include the accumulation of fluid near the lungs as well as the spread of tumors to other parts of the body, including the kidneys, liver, brain, …show more content…
Yet, different researchers hold different notions. For example, some are looking into connections between the genetic mutation of genes “TSC1” and “TSC2” in relation to LAM that coexists with tuberous sclerosis complex. As far as standard LAM goes, the general consensus of modern research revolves around the idea that female hormones, such as “estrogen and progesterone” are to blame. This is due to the fact that not only is LAM primarily found in women, but that it is present regardless of differences in race, geographic location, or other varying factors (“Lymphangioleiomyomatosis -