HR0881 93RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0881 LRB093 22052 KEF 50477 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Pulmonary hypertension is a rare lung disorder that historically has been chronic and incurable, with a poor survival rate; and

WHEREAS, In the United States, it has been estimated that 300 new cases of pulmonary hypertension are diagnosed each year; and

WHEREAS, The greatest number of cases are reported in women between the ages of 21 and 40, although pulmonary hypertension can affect men, women, and children at any age; and

WHEREAS, Pulmonary hypertension also affects people of all racial and ethnic origins equally; and

WHEREAS, About 6 to 10 percent of pulmonary hypertension cases are familial; and

WHEREAS, During the period January 1996 through December 1997, almost 6,000,000 Americans took anorexic drugs, which can cause pulmonary hypertension; and

WHEREAS, Pulmonary hypertension remains a diagnosis of exclusion and is rarely detected in routine medical examinations; and

WHEREAS, Even in later stages, the signs of pulmonary hypertension can be confused with other conditions affecting the heart and lungs; and

WHEREAS, One form of pulmonary hypertension, known as secondary pulmonary hypertension, is caused by other diseases, and two common causes of secondary pulmonary hypertension are emphysema and bronchitis; and

WHEREAS, Other causes are inflammatory or collagen vascular disease such as scleroderma, CREST syndrome, or systemic lupus erythematosus; and

WHEREAS, Early diagnosis can lead to early treatment and the possibility of improved quality of life and prolonged life; and

WHEREAS, Education can help with early diagnosis; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that the month of November is hereby designated as Pulmonary Hypertension Awareness Month in Illinois; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we recognize and applaud the role played by health organizations and health care providers in promoting awareness of the importance of early diagnosis, testing, and ongoing screening for pulmonary hypertension, and we encourage health organizations in this State to host activities to promote pulmonary hypertension awareness; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be delivered to the Pulmonary Hypertension Association.