Lungnæmis

Lungnæmis is a term that refers to a deficiency or lack of lungs. This is a severe congenital condition where individuals are born with underdeveloped or absent lungs. It is an extremely rare and life-threatening disorder. The severity can range from a single lung being underdeveloped to both lungs being completely absent.

The causes of lungnæmis are not fully understood, but it is believed to arise from disruptions in embryonic lung development. Genetic factors may play a role in some cases, though specific genes or mutations have not been definitively identified. It is generally considered a sporadic event.

Diagnosis typically occurs during prenatal ultrasounds, which can detect the absence or severe underdevelopment of the lungs. If not detected prenatally, symptoms in newborns can include severe respiratory distress, cyanosis (bluish discoloration of the skin due to lack of oxygen), and rapid breathing.

Treatment options for lungnæmis are extremely limited due to the fundamental nature of the deficiency. In cases of complete absence or severe underdevelopment, survival is often not possible without advanced medical intervention. Lung transplantation is a potential, albeit highly complex and risky, treatment for selected individuals. However, the availability of suitable donors and the significant risks associated with the surgery present major challenges. Palliative care is often the focus when transplantation is not feasible or successful.