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 When choosing your “cardio” activity, pick something you like. If you have access to a gym, you’ll have lots of…
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 Whatever your reason for seeking medical care, knowing what to expect can help your…
Some people like to exercise on their own. However, you might prefer working in a group with a trainer. If so, your doctor may suggest pulmonary rehabilitation (rehab). Pulmonary rehab is a structured program. It takes place in a facility that may look like a gym. But, rehab programs have trained staff, including: Nurses Doctors…
When your liver disease becomes life-threatening, it’s time to consider a liver transplant. This procedure involves removing your diseased liver and replacing it with a healthy one. You may have heard about “living related donor” transplants. In these procedures, relatives donate a piece of their liver. This type of transplant doesn’t work well for people…
Alpha-1 liver disease occurs when abnormal Z-type AAT proteins build up within liver cells. Some of the AAT proteins link to other AAT proteins in a process called polymerization. These polymers can form large or small clusters that damage the liver cell. Silverman et al. NEJM Do all Alphas develop liver disease? Some Alphas…
Lab tests are an important part of assessing your liver’s health. Each test looks at specific functions of your liver. General lab tests for liver health There are many diagnostic tests that provide general information about liver health — or point to specific diseases. Let’s look at some common blood tests for liver health. AST…
When you’re living with Alpha-1 lung disease, you put a lot of energy into the work of breathing. You need some strategies to help you manage your energy so you use less of it when dealing with work, family, and other responsibilities. Here are some tips to help you manage your energy: Pace yourself: Give…
Most of us take breathing for granted. We don’t have to think about it. It just happens. But people with chronic lung disease have to use coordinated breathing to conserve their energy. Coordinated breathing helps them stay active and handle day-to-day tasks without getting too short of breath. If you have lung disease, you may…
Understanding your respiratory system may help you understand Alpha-1 lung disease better. So, let’s take a quick look at what it is, and what it does. How breathing works When you breathe in (inspiration), air travels through the respiratory passages, exchanging oxygen for carbon dioxide. When you breathe out (expiration), you exhale carbon dioxide back…
The way you view your final days might be similar to the way you answer that age-old question, “Is the glass half-empty, or half-full?” The final stage of life means different things to different people. It’s a chance to: Do things you put off for “someday” in the future. Spend time with loved ones. Resolve…
As the end-of-life approaches, you and your doctor may discuss pain management options, to make sure you’re as comfortable as possible. There are many different types of medicines available for pain management and comfort at the end of life. You may already take non-prescription, over-the counter medicines like aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen. Your doctor may…
Let’s review some of the common lung diseases that can cause respiratory problems. Understanding them may help you take a more active role in managing your lung disease. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic inflammatory lung disease that causes airflow blockage and breathing problems. Emphysema and chronic bronchitis…
