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R E S O L U T I O N
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WHEREAS, Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness Month is an |
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international campaign held in September to help call attention to |
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this serious disease and to rally support for the search for a cure; |
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and |
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WHEREAS, Pulmonary fibrosis refers to scarring of the lungs, |
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which over time can destroy lung tissue and lead to deteriorated |
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respiratory function; according to some estimates, the disease |
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affects 1 out of every 200 American adults over the age of 60, and |
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approximately 50,000 new cases are diagnosed each year; and |
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WHEREAS, Researchers have identified a multitude of causes of |
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pulmonary fibrosis, including certain medications, radiation, |
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autoimmune diseases, environmental triggers, and exposure to |
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hazardous materials such as asbestos, silica, and coal dust; often, |
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the exact cause is difficult to determine, and most patients go on |
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to be diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, or pulmonary |
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fibrosis of unknown origin; and |
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WHEREAS, As the disease worsens, patients experience |
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shortness of breath, coughing, fatigue, and other symptoms, which |
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may develop rapidly in some cases and progress more slowly over a |
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period of months or years in others; the lung damage caused by |
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pulmonary fibrosis cannot be reversed, but medications and |
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therapies can sometimes help ease symptoms and improve quality of |
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life; if symptoms are severe, sufferers may be candidates for a lung |
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transplant; and |
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WHEREAS, Public awareness plays an important role in |
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promoting research for pulmonary fibrosis and ensuring that every |
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patient receives a timely and accurate diagnosis, and Pulmonary |
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Fibrosis Awareness Month provides an opportunity for patients, |
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families, and advocates around the world to join together to help |
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make these goals a reality; now, therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 86th Texas |
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Legislature hereby recognize September 2019 as Pulmonary Fibrosis |
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Awareness Month and encourage all Texans to learn more about this |
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critical health issue. |