Are you considering augmentation therapy? Experts agree that Alphas with emphysema should get it. However, they disagree about whether it’s the right approach for people with very mild or very severe lung disease. Download Considering Augmentation Therapy – Is It Right for You as a PDF. Some research studies have shown that people who fall…
The signs and symptoms of port or central catheter infections often look like a reaction to augmentation therapy. It’s important to learn how to tell the difference between the two. Download Catheter Infections – Prevention & Treatment as a PDF. Port and central catheter infections External infections are located at the spot where the catheter…
Augmentation therapy is an FDA-approved therapy used to treat Alpha-1-related lung disease, specifically emphysema in patients with severe Alpha-1. Alphas on this life-saving therapy get weekly infusions of alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT). These infusions boost AAT levels in the lungs and bloodstream. Download What Is Augmentation Therapy as a PDF. Augmentation therapy is the only specific…
While there are many tests and tools for looking at lung health, pulmonary function tests (PFTs) deserve special attention. That’s because many Alphas report that PFTs are hard to understand. Download Pulmonary Function Tests as a PDF. What are pulmonary function tests? PFTs are breathing tests that involve blowing into a tube. You do them…
Spirometry is the simplest and most common pulmonary function test. Here’s how you do the test: Put on a nose clip, so air can’t escape through your nose. Wrap your mouth around the mouthpiece of the spirometer. Breathe in as deeply as you can. Blast your breath out as long and as hard as you…
To find out more about your lung health, your doctor may order lung volumes as part of your pulmonary function testing. Lung volumes testing measures eight separate volumes of air: Total Lung Capacity (TLC) is the maximum amount of air that your lungs can hold. This is measured at the very top of an inhalation. Vital…
Pulmonary Function Testing (PFT) may include a diffusing capacity (DLCO) test. This test measures how well gases like oxygen move from your lungs into your blood. Download Diffusing Capacity (DLCO) as a PDF. How do we measure diffusing capacity? There are several ways to measure diffusing capacity. The “ten-second single breath-hold technique” is the most…
Testing levels of arterial blood gases (ABGs) gives your doctor important information about your lung health. ABG tests show how well your lungs take in oxygen from your blood and get carbon dioxide out. Download Arterial Blood Gases and Pulse Oximetry as a PDF. How do we measure arterial blood gases? Your doctor will take…
If you’re talking to your doctor about pulmonary function testing, it helps to know key terms. This glossary contains some common words your doctor may use when talking about lung disease and tests for lung function. Download Glossary of Pulmonary Function Terms as a PDF. Glossary Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency – A genetic condition that can…
You and your doctor are a team, working together to manage your health for the months or years ahead. This Health Management Plan for Alphas with Liver Disease will help. We recommend that you review your plan together every year. Download Health Management Plan for Liver Disease as a PDF. Using Your Health Management Plan…
You and your doctor are a team, working together to manage your health for the months or years ahead. This Health Management Plan for Alphas with Lung Disease will help. We recommend that you review your plan together every year. Download Health Management Plan for Lung Disease as a PDF. Using your Health Management Plan…
Alphas often have flare-ups (exacerbations). You have a number of options for treating flare-ups that may ease your symptoms. It’s very important to know all your options. This helps you and your doctor create a treatment plan that suits you best. Download Treating Flare-Ups (Exacerbations) as a PDF. Staying on top of your treatment plan every…
