Question: are you familiar with bleb disease/bullous emphysema? And are there any alternative remedies to healing these blebs? The doctors only know chest tubes and surgery, but these blebs keep forming and the cause is baffling. What do you think about lung diseases resulting from Agent Orange/tordon exposure in Viet Nam correlating with the upsurge of lung diseases in U.S.A. possibly due to tordon/2-4-D (form of Agent Orange) and other deadly chemical exposure? These sprays commonly sprayed nation and worldwide to destroy herbs they now term "noxious weeds". Is there anyone studying this possibility to your knowledge?
Thank you for your time and consideration,
Terri
Replied by Tracy (San Rafael, Ca, Us) on 04/02/2010
Hi Terri,
You may at this point have already identified your daughter's condition. If not, you may want to research the condition called Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM). It's a mouthful! It's a fairly rare condition that affects women between puberty and menopause and presents as you have described. There are no known causes but is suspected to have a hormonal connection. You can google the above online or go to The LAM Foundation.org, a wonderful resource. I was diagnosed 7 years ago, experienced lung collapse as well and opted for the pleurodeses (lung "gluing"). There are no cures to date though I find lifestyle changes (nutrition, reducing stress, etc) can be very beneficial. More is being learned each day regarding this disease. There are a number of good Interstitial Lung Disease Clinics and pulmonologists that are familiar with LAM. Please feel free to contact me if you have additional questions.
Replied by Christina (Me) on 08/23/2016
Hello. My Name is Christina. I was 18 and 31 when I had my collapsed lungs from Blebs Disease. Mine was not caused from any overseas travel as I have never left US but what I have been told and done is corrective surgery where they use a chemical reaction to adhere the lung to the chest wall. I'm 40 now and it all seems to be working but what I do know is it is rare and genetic and things she should avoid doing like air travel and scuba diving. Good luck to you in your search and wishing for good health.Replied by Rita (Brick New Jersey ) on 02/28/2018
I just had a Cat Scan done, and was told by my doctor that I have blebs. I have no idea what I'm in for! I've been having shortness of breath for the past five days. Is blebs serious? Thank you
