June 24, 2024 is being recognized as World Pneumothorax Day, a time for spreading awareness about pneumothorax among the general public and in the medical field. Pneumothorax is a condition in which air is trapped in what’s called the pleural space, the area between the chest wall and the lungs. The condition is rare and can be a sign of an underlying rare disease.
This awareness day aims to empower patient communities to recognize the signs and symptoms of pneumothorax, which can include sharp chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, and low blood oxygen levels. Some of the rare diseases which can cause pneumothorax to occur can include:
- Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) – This disease impacts the lymphatic system, the kidneys, and the lungs. Recurrent pneumothorax and shortness of breath are some of the most frequent symptoms.
- Marfan syndrome – A genetic disorder that impacts the connective tissue. The impacts on the blood vessels, heart, and specifically the lungs increase the risk of pneumothorax.
- Vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome – Another disorder the affects connective tissue and leads to fragile blood vessels and other organs, resulting in increased pneumothorax risk.
- Loeys-Dietz syndrome (LDS) – The eyes, heart, blood vessels, bones, and skin are all impacted by this syndrome, which is also a disorder of connective tissue and can lead to pneumothorax.
In recognition of World Pneumothorax Day, the BHD Foundation is hosting a Meet the Expert online webinar on the 24th that will feature the latest info from prominent researchers in the field. Click here to learn more about the program.
To follow along and help spread World Pneumothorax Day awareness and content, follow the BHD Foundation on Facebook and X.
