ROY-lower part of the lungs?

[Guest guest]

Roy,

<<<<re: I have a question for whoever can anser it. Just how does RP effect the

lower part of the lungs? I am not aware of any cartilage in that area?>>>>

There are 2 ways (that I know of) that the lungs can be affected by RP. (1) The

broncial trees that branch off from both bronchial main stems are supported by

small cartilage plates that are embedded in the walls of the bronchi; and (2)

the lobes of the lungs are separated from each other by connective tissue.

As breathing becomes more difficult or shallow due to a floppy, collapsing trach

or bronchial airway (tracheomalacia or bronchialmalacia) the lower part of the

lungs are used less and less and can result in thickening of the chest wall.

According to the Mayo Clinic, stenting of the airways can be done but there

hasn't been a lot of success with RP patients. There are, thankfully, exceptions

within this group.

The responses from Drs. Buckner and Utz are exactly what I've been told.

Testing needs to be done to determine each individual's pulmonary involvement.

But if the airway collapses, well then it just does.

I have, however, been able to significantly increase my FEV1 and lung volumes by

constantly increasing my exercise levels. I'm noisy but I do my best breathing

on the treadmill - deep, cleansing breaths. And I thank God for each one of

them! I can almost feel my lower diaphram tingling with fresh oxygen. So I just

keep walking farther and faster, huffing and puffing all the way.

Take care,

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