November is Pulmonary Hypertension Awareness Month

Nov. 14, 2011 - PRLog -- Governor Bill Haslam of Tennessee & the Mayors of Shelby County & the city of Bartlett have declared November is Pulmonary Hypertension Awareness Month.

PH is a rare condition often-misdiagnosed as asthma or bronchitis because symptoms are so general, the governor's and mayor's proclamation says. Early diagnosis is essential for treatments to be effective.

According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms can include shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness, fainting, chest pressure or pain, swollen ankles, legs and sometimes the abdomin, bluish lips or skin, a racing pulse and heart palpitations. Hoarseness has also been reported.

The Pulmonary Hypertension Association advises that if a doctor can see no other obvious cause for the symptoms, pulmonary hypertension should be considered and diagnostic tests performed.

If you have already been diagnosed, the association offers a patient survival guide for $25 ($15 for members). Call (301) 565-3004. The patient-to-patient support line is 1-800-748-7274.