Living With Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency
People who have alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency
don't always develop serious lung or liver diseases. This means that you can
live with AAT deficiency and not even know you have it.
If you do know you have AAT deficiency, you probably
also have a related lung or liver disease that requires ongoing medical
care.
Some things you can do if you have AAT deficiency
are:
- Quit or don't start smoking. Smoking is the
leading risk factor for lung disease.
- Avoid secondhand smoke and places where you might
inhale dust, fumes, or other toxins.
- Check your living and working spaces for things
that may irritate your lungs. Examples include flower and tree pollen, ash,
allergens, air pollution, wood burning stoves, paint fumes, and fumes from
cleaning products and other household items.
- Advise your children to avoid smoking and to stay
away from places where they might inhale irritants or toxins. Because AAT
deficiency is inherited, your children may have the condition or carry the gene
for it. They should do whatever they can to reduce
their risk of getting serious lung diseases. (Of course, this is true for
anyonewith or without AAT deficiency.)
- Make lifestyle changes to stay healthy, including
following a healthy diet and getting regular physical activity. Talk to your
doctor about how much and what types of physical activity are safe for
you.
- Reduce stress. Relaxation techniques, such as
meditation, yoga, breathing exercises, and muscle relaxation, can help you cope
with stress.
- Talk to your doctor about whether it's safe for
you to drink alcohol.
- Get vaccines to protect you from flu and
pneumococcus. These viruses increase your risk for serious lung diseases.
- Get treatment right away for any breathing
problems. If treatment includes pulmonary rehabilitation, work with your health
care team to learn how to manage your condition and function at your best.
If you feel depressed, scared, or upset after being
diagnosed with AAT deficiency, talk to your doctor. He or she can recommend
support groups or counseling to help you. |