86R8850 BK-D

By: Price H.R. No. 2144

R E S O L U T I O N

WHEREAS, Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness Month is an international campaign held in September to help call attention to this serious disease and to rally support for the search for a cure; and

WHEREAS, Pulmonary fibrosis refers to scarring of the lungs, which over time can destroy lung tissue and lead to deteriorated respiratory function; according to some estimates, the disease affects 1 out of every 200 American adults over the age of 60, and approximately 50,000 new cases are diagnosed each year; and

WHEREAS, Researchers have identified a multitude of causes of pulmonary fibrosis, including certain medications, radiation, autoimmune diseases, environmental triggers, and exposure to hazardous materials such as asbestos, silica, and coal dust; often, the exact cause is difficult to determine, and most patients go on to be diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, or pulmonary fibrosis of unknown origin; and

WHEREAS, As the disease worsens, patients experience shortness of breath, coughing, fatigue, and other symptoms, which may develop rapidly in some cases and progress more slowly over a period of months or years in others; the lung damage caused by pulmonary fibrosis cannot be reversed, but medications and therapies can sometimes help ease symptoms and improve quality of life; if symptoms are severe, sufferers may be candidates for a lung transplant; and

WHEREAS, Public awareness plays an important role in promoting research for pulmonary fibrosis and ensuring that every patient receives a timely and accurate diagnosis, and Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness Month provides an opportunity for patients, families, and advocates around the world to join together to help make these goals a reality; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 86th Texas Legislature hereby recognize September 2020 as Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness Month and encourage all Texans to learn more about this critical health issue.