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Conference to Focus on Common Themes in Rare Lung Disease Pathogenesis

From the Rare Lung Disease Consortium

The second annual Rare Lung Disease Consortium (RLDC) Conference will be held in Cincinnati, Ohio, on April 8-10, 2005. The RLDC is a network of rare lung diseases communities, including but not limited to lymphangioleiomyomatosis, alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency, pulmonary alveolar proteinosis, and pediatric interstitial lung disease. Two additional research communities, representing connective tissue disease-related interstitial lung disease and primary ciliary diskinesia, will be joining the network this year. All RLDC groups will come together to discuss common themes in rare lung disease pathogenesis, including fibrosis, inflammation, protein misfolding, and autoimmunity. All interested physicians and scientists are welcomed. For more information about the conference and abstract submission, please contact Bethany Barnett at 305-567-9888, Ext. 237, or via e-mail at bbarnett@alphaone.org.

Submitted by Sue Byrnes, Director, The LAM Foundation

Free Allergic Asthma for Dummies by William E. Berger, MD

From the Allergy & Asthma Network Mothers of Asthmatics

Free help for those struggling with allergic asthma is on the way from Allergy & Asthma Network Mothers of Asthmatics (AANMA) — in the form of Allergic Asthma for Dummies by William E. Berger, MD. This 48-page mini-book features step-by-step allergic asthma management strategies, as well as information on how to recognize symptoms, avoid triggers, and create an effective management plan. And AANMA brings it to you free of charge. To order copies, call 800-878-4403 or visit Breatherville.

Submitted by Grace Paine Terzian, Director of Communications, AANMA

Web Site and Online Column Provide Information on Lung Health

The American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) recently launched a new consumer Web site, www.YourLungHealth.org. The site provides information on diseases and conditions that affect the respiratory system, such as alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis, and sleep apnea.

Featured on the Web site is “Ask Dr. Tom,” the online column of Thomas L. Petty, MD. Dr. Petty has devoted his career to helping patients who have emphysema and other forms of COPD. In his column, Dr. Petty will engage in an active dialog with patients and answer their questions in a concise and clear manner, so that patients can learn more about the importance of maintaining lung health. To submit a question to “Ask Dr. Tom” or to see answers to other patients’ questions, visit "Ask Dr. Tom".

Submitted by Sherry Milligan, Associative Executive Director, AARC