Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency is also called AATD. It is a condition where you have decreased amounts of alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) in your body. AAT is a special chemical that protects your lungs from being damaged by infections and harmful fumes. AATD is a condition you may have been born with that is caused by abnormal genes for AAT. In AATD, you may have little or no healthy AAT, or have abnormal AAT in your body. Smoking and exposure to chemical fumes may also decrease your AAT levels. Having decreased amounts of AAT increases your risk of lung damage, and getting lung infections often. You may also have tumors in your liver, pain in your abdomen, decreased energy, and yellowish-colored skin.
  
  
• Your caregiver will ask about you and your family's health history. You may need blood tests, CT scans, pulmonary function tests, genetic testing, and x-rays. You will need to stay away from chemical fumes and tobacco smoke. Bronchodilators and steroids may be used to relieve your symptoms . Your caregiver may use AAT replacement to bring your level back to normal. Having your AATD treated may decrease your symptoms and prevent worsening lung damage.

AFTER YOU LEAVE:

Medicines:

• Keep a written list of the medicines you take, the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list of your medicines or the pill bottles when you see your caregivers. Learn why you take each medicine. Ask your caregiver for information about your medicine. Do not use any medicines, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbs, or food supplements without first talking to caregivers.
  
  
• Always take your medicine as directed by caregivers. Call your caregiver if you think your medicines are not helping or if you feel you are having side effects. Do not quit taking your medicines until you discuss it with your caregiver. If you are taking medicine that makes you drowsy, do not drive or use heavy equipment.

Ask your caregiver when to return for a follow-up visit. Keep all appointments. Write down any questions you may have. This way you will remember to ask these questions during your next visit.

Colds or the flu: Stay away from people who have colds or the flu. Ask your caregiver if you should get shots to keep from getting the flu and pneumonia. Also try to stay away from large groups of people. This decreases your chance of getting sick.

Vaccines: Ask your caregiver if you should get vaccinated against the flu or pneumonia. The best time to get a flu shot is in October or November. Flu shots are good for one year. Pneumonia shots are good for five to six years. Ask your caregiver which vaccinations are right for you.

Hepatitis vaccines: Ask your caregiver if you should be vaccinated against hepatitis. This includes hepatitis A and B and may require more than one shot.

Wellness hints:

• Diet: Eat a variety of healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole-grain breads, low-fat dairy products, beans, lean meat, and fish. Eating healthy foods may help you have more energy and heal faster. Ask your caregiver if you need to be on a special diet.
  
  
• Quit smoking: It's never too late to quit smoking. Smoking harms the heart, lungs, and the blood. You are more likely to have a heart attack, lung disease or cancer if you smoke. You will help yourself and those around you by not smoking. Ask your caregiver for more information about how to stop smoking if you have any trouble quitting.

For more information: Contact any of the following:

• American Liver Foundation
  75 Maiden Lane Suite 603
  New York, New York 10038
  Phone: 1-212-668-1000
  Phone: 1-800-465-4837
  Web Address: http://www.liverfoundation.org
  

• American Lung Association
  61 Broadway, 6th floor
  New York City, NY 10006
  Phone: 1-800-586-4872
  Web Address: http://www.lungusa.org
  

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You are losing weight without trying.
  
  
• You feel new lumps under your skin.
  
  
• You have bowel or bladder changes.
  
  
• You have any questions or concerns about your condition, medicine, or care.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• You have a very bad headache that does not go away.
  
  
• You have bloody bowel movements.
  
  
• You have chest pain and trouble breathing.
  
  
• You are throwing up blood.

Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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