Inhalers
Some people with LAM find that inhalers help ease breathlessness and make breathing easier. Your doctor may prescribe:
- a short-acting inhaler for quick relief when you’re breathless
- long-acting inhalers that you use every day to help manage symptoms.
Inhaled corticosteroids are not usually needed unless you also have asthma or another condition affecting your airways.
Inhalers can help improve symptoms but do not stop LAM from progressing. Using an inhaler is a skill and many people do not use theirs properly. Even small mistakes can mean less medicine reaches your lungs. Your doctor, nurse or pharmacist can show you the correct technique and help you get the most benefit from your inhaler.
Medicines to slow LAM
Sirolimus and everolimus are medicines that can help slow the progression of LAM. They work by slowing the growth of LAM cells, which can help keep the lungs working well for longer. These medicines can also help shrink non-cancerous kidney growths (angiomyolipomas) and reduce fluid build-up caused by LAM.
Not everyone with LAM needs treatment with sirolimus or everolimus. Your specialist may recommend these medicines if your lung function is getting worse or if you have complications related to LAM.
Regular check-ups with your specialist and blood tests are needed while taking these medicines to monitor how well they are working and check for side effects.
If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy, speak with your healthcare team about these medicines.
Oxygen therapy
Some people with LAM may need extra oxygen if their oxygen levels become low or they are experiencing significant breathlessness.
Oxygen can be provided through portable devices or home oxygen equipment, depending on your needs. Your healthcare team can assess whether you would benefit from oxygen therapy and help you find the option that best suits your needs.
Lung transplantation
For a small number of people with very advanced LAM, a lung transplant may be an option if other treatments are no longer helping to manage the disease.
Advances in treatment, particularly medicines that can slow the growth of LAM cells, mean that fewer people with LAM now need a lung transplant.
If you have advanced LAM, your specialist can talk with you about whether a lung transplant may be an appropriate option for you.
Help create a brighter future for the LAM community
The LAM community is raising $50,000 to support a dedicated LAM Clinical Fellowship. By donating you can help build specialist LAM clinical and research expertise in Australia, strengthening knowledge, care and future research for people living with LAM.
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