1. What can I do to take care of myself if I have alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency?
Don’t smoke. Taking care of your lungs can increase your lifespan and delay the onset of
emphysema. Avoid lung irritants such as dust and fumes, get regular pneumonia shots and an annual influenza shot, get prompt medical attention for lung infections, and get regular exercise to help maintain lung function.
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2. How common is alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency?
It is thought to be one of the most frequent genetic deficiencies in Caucasians. The American Lung Association estimates that there are as many as 100,000 people in the U.S. who were born with AAT deficiency and that as many as 25 million Americans are
carriers of the condition.
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