When I was younger, I was told I had exercise-induced-asthma. What that really meant is that when I ran around, it would not be unusual for me to feel short of breath.
But, it could have been worse. Many folks have a similar situation- but will pass out, experience chest pain, have swollen legs and ankles. Because that situation is more likely pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). (Some 45,000 folks in the USA have PAH.)
And, as opposed to my potential exercise-induced-asthma (which I no longer experience), folks who manifest PAH find their situation gets worse with time. This high blood pressure in the arteries that extend from one’s heart to the lungs- different from “regular” high blood pressure- means the tiny arteries in the lungs become narrower- or may even become blocked. That means a higher pressure is required to get blood flow through the lungs (and get the blood oxygenated); eventually the heart muscle gets weak, or even succumbs to heart failure.
That’s why folks are provided oxygen- to keep the blood oxygenated and they can sidestep the fact that blood transport through the lungs is impeded. But, it also may mean blood thinners may be prescribed to preclude the formation of blood clots (due to reduced blood flow). Or, calcium channel blockers would be prescribed to effect lower blood pressure in the lungs.
Or, maybe you will be prescribed a brand new drug developed by our old friend, United Therapeutics Corporation. (Here’s but one article where we discussed the firm and its creative founder, Martine Rothblatt.)
This new formulation is called Tyvaso, DPI, an inhaler, that dispenses a long approved vasodilator called Treprostinil. (United Therapeutics has other formulations of treprostinil, that are being prescribed to treat folks with PAH.) This inhaler fits in the palm of one’s hand, so getting and using the drug at opportune moments is a breeze.
Even with expedited approval systems, the FDA took about 18 months to approve the drug. (There was a petition to deny the approval, alleging that an inactive substance in the inhaler was not disclosed.) So much for a ‘fast track”.
(United Therapeutics is not manufacturing the drug- that’s being done by its partner, MannKind Corporation [Westlake Village, CA] through 2031.)
Sounds like an awesome solution and easy to carry with those who need it.
I liked the idea of an easy to use inhaller, too, Martha.
I’m allergic to calcium channel blockers and I wonder how many other people are. It’s always good for people to have an alternative.
Adn, there rarely is one single cure- thankfully.