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As you begin your journey in search of NIH grant funding, the information in this section can help you understand the structure of NIH and why it is important to successfully navigate the grants process.

With earlier diagnosis and newer treatment, patients with LAM are living longer, with some living more than 20 years after diagnosis. Your doctor will monitor your condition to see if it is stable or getting worse and causing serious complications. Also, your doctor may recommend other medical care, including vaccines, lifestyle changes, and pregnancy and birth control planning.

LAM is diagnosed based on your medical history and the results from diagnostic lung function tests, imaging tests such as high-resolution CT scans, VEGF-D blood tests, or other procedures.

The signs and symptoms of pneumonia can be mild or severe and may include lung cysts, increased VEGF-D levels, reduced lung function, reduced, oxygen levels in the blood, chest pain or aches, fatigue, frequent cough, shortness of breath, and wheezing. Possible complications may include tumors in the kidneys, blood in the urine, enlarged lymph nodes, pleural effusions, pneumothorax or collapsed lung, and swelling.

Researchers do not know the exact cause of LAM or why it mainly affects women, but they believe genes and the female hormone estrogen play a role.

Pneumonia can be very serious and even life-threatening. Vaccines can help prevent some types of pneumonia. Good hygiene (washing your hands often), quitting smoking, and keeping your immune system strong by getting regular physical activity and eating healthy are other ways to lower your risk of getting pneumonia.

Your doctor will diagnose pneumonia based on your medical history, a physical exam, and test results. Sometimes pneumonia is hard to diagnose because your symptoms may be the same as a cold or flu. You may not realize that your condition is more serious until it lasts longer than these other conditions.

The signs and symptoms of pneumonia can be mild or serious. Young children, older adults, and people who have serious health conditions are at risk for developing more serious pneumonia or life-threatening complications.

Your risk of pneumonia may be higher because of your age, environment, lifestyle habits, and other medical conditions.