You and your healthcare practitioner should develop a written action plan for flare-ups (exacerbations). This plan may include: Using more medicines to relax and open your airways (bronchodilators) and using them more frequently Adding an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) to your care plan. Or, increasing the dose if you already take one. Adding a new bronchodilator. Using…
Some people with Alpha-1 COPD develop lots of thick, sticky mucus that seems to be trapped in their throat or lungs. This makes it difficult to breathe. Mucolytics thin out the sticky mucus, so it’s easier to cough up. Download Mucolytics as a PDF. You may take mucolytics to treat: Pneumonia Bronchitis Emphysema Bronchiectasis (If…
Recognizing changes in signs and symptoms of your lung disease is an important part of managing your illness. People with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease due to Alpha-1 (Alpha-1 COPD) often have sudden “flare-ups” of symptoms (exacerbations). These may follow periods when they’re totally symptom-free. Download Flare-ups – Signs, Symptoms, and More as a PDF. We…
Outpatient care — your first visit Newborns with severe liver problems are often treated in a hospital setting. But, many children and adults with milder liver disease receive outpatient care after their initial diagnosis. Download Outpatient Care for Alpha-1 Liver Disease as a PDF. Your initial outpatient visit after a diagnosis of Alpha-1-related liver disease…
Your healthcare practitioner will suggest targeted treatment based on how Alpha-1 affects your liver. Let’s take a look at some of these treatments. Download Targeted Treatment for Alpha-1 Related Liver Problems as a PDF. Targeted treatment for poor digestive function Ensure proper nutrition. Treatments for babies and children focus on ensuring normal growth and nutrition.
Whether you’re on your own or doing a formal Pulmonary Rehabilitation program, safety is very important. Let’s take a look at some questions and answers about exercising with Alpha-1 lung disease. Download Exercising with Alpha-1 Lung Disease – Questions & Answers as a PDF. What should I wear? You don’t need to run to the…
To avoid feeling short of breath (dyspnea), Alphas with lung disease often limit their physical activity. This can cause a downward spiral. You don’t exercise because it makes you feel bad. So, your fitness level drops. And, the next time you exercise, you feel even worse. Download Exercise for Alphas with Lung Disease as a…
Monitoring your exertion (effort) during exercise is critical for anyone beginning a program. But, it’s even more important when you have Alpha-1 lung disease. Monitoring lets you get the most benefit from your program, and ensures that you’re safe and comfortable. Download Exertion and Exercise Safety – What You Need to Know as a PDF.
Every workout session should start and end with warm-up and stretching exercises. This reduces your risk of getting hurt and releases muscle tension and soreness. Download Warm-up & Stretching Exercises for Alphas as a PDF. Warm-up and stretching exercises should always be completed prior to beginning more strenuous activities to reduce the risk of injury.
Strength training is a key part of any exercise program. It can help increase your stamina and reduce shortness of breath. This means you can do more of the things you want to do. Download Strength Training Recommendations for Alphas as a PDF. Let’s look at some strength training exercises for your upper and lower…
Cardiopulmonary training, sometimes called endurance training or “cardio”, is a key part of any exercise program. There are many ways to get a “cardio” workout, including: Stationary bike Treadmill Step machine Elliptical machine Brisk walks Download Cardio Endurance Training Recommendations for Alphas as a PDF. When choosing your “cardio” activity, pick something you like. If…
When you have Alpha-1, you may want to see a doctor for a number of reasons: You don’t feel well. Your health has changed. You’re concerned about a specific problem or symptom. You’re expecting a child, and are concerned about genetic risks Download Seeing Your Healthcare Practitioner About Alpha-1 Liver Disease as a PDF. Whatever your…
