1. What can I do to take care of myself if I have alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency?
Don’t smoke. Quitting smoking can increase your lifespan and delay the onset of emphysema. Take care of your lungs – 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.
2. How common is alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency?
It is thought to be one of the most frequent genetic deficiencies in Caucasians. In the U.S. about 1 in 2,000 have some degree of AAT deficiency.
