LAM: Symptoms Make an Appointment Refer a Patient Ask a Question Reviewed by Gregory Downey, MD, Gregory P. Downey, MD (February 02, 2023) Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (pronounced lim-fan-gee-o-ly-o-my-o-ma-to-sis), or LAM, is a rare disease found almost exclusively in women of all races and ethnic backgrounds. LAM symptoms can be different for each person. Common LAM symptoms include: Shortness of Breath or Dyspnea – Shortness of breath with LAM, or feeling breathless, happens over time, especially with exercise or exertion, which can include wheezing Chest Pain or Pleurisy – Can be caused by infections, lung collapse, inflammation or irritation of the chest wall and the lining of the lungs Chronic Cough – Lasting eight weeks or longer that may include phlegm or coughing up blood Collapsed Lung or Pneumothorax – Feels like a sudden, sharp chest pain with difficult, rapid breathing, rapid heartbeat, low blood pressure, profuse sweating, dizziness, and/or lack of normal chest movement on the affected side of the chest Benign Kidney Tumor or Angiomyolipoma – Often found in people with LAM and may cause back and side (‘flank’) pain, blood in the urine or abdominal bleeding Pleural Effusion – A leakage and accumulation of fluid around the lungs and into the chest cavity LAM: Causes LAM: Diagnosis Clinical Trials For more than 100 years, National Jewish Health has been committed to finding new treatments and cures for diseases. Search our clinical trials.
Reviewed by Gregory Downey, MD, Gregory P. Downey, MD (February 02, 2023) Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (pronounced lim-fan-gee-o-ly-o-my-o-ma-to-sis), or LAM, is a rare disease found almost exclusively in women of all races and ethnic backgrounds. LAM symptoms can be different for each person. Common LAM symptoms include: Shortness of Breath or Dyspnea – Shortness of breath with LAM, or feeling breathless, happens over time, especially with exercise or exertion, which can include wheezing Chest Pain or Pleurisy – Can be caused by infections, lung collapse, inflammation or irritation of the chest wall and the lining of the lungs Chronic Cough – Lasting eight weeks or longer that may include phlegm or coughing up blood Collapsed Lung or Pneumothorax – Feels like a sudden, sharp chest pain with difficult, rapid breathing, rapid heartbeat, low blood pressure, profuse sweating, dizziness, and/or lack of normal chest movement on the affected side of the chest Benign Kidney Tumor or Angiomyolipoma – Often found in people with LAM and may cause back and side (‘flank’) pain, blood in the urine or abdominal bleeding Pleural Effusion – A leakage and accumulation of fluid around the lungs and into the chest cavity LAM: Causes LAM: Diagnosis