H.R. No. 137
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 2019 as Pulmonary Fibrosis
Awareness Month and encourage all Texans to learn more about this
critical health issue.
Price
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 137 was adopted by the House on March
6, 2019, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House