One Woman’s Struggle To Breathe Easy (NAPSA)—Foryears, Jan Jenkins thought her wheezing,difficulty increase public awareness of this hereditary condition.” According to the American Tho- breathing and exhaustion were due racic Society and the European to asthma aggravated by 15 years of smoking when she was younger. Yet, despite having quit smoking many years earlier at the age of35, Respiratory Society, the following symptoms and conditions are signs that may indicate risk for Alpha,-Antitrypsin (AAT) defi- her breathing problems grew worse, and she regretfully had to ciency, which may lead to heredi- cut back on manyof the things she loved, including hiking and moun- tary emphysema: Early onset of emhysema tain biking, and was forced to give up tennis. After 10 years and consulta- tions with several doctors, she finally saw a physician who tested her for Alpha,-Antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency—also known as heredi- (age 45 yearsorless) Chronic obstructive pulsaid Jan, 51, who lives in Las Vegas. “I was even able to enjoy a white-water rafting trip this summer.” People with chronic obstructive tary emphysema and Alpha-1— one of the most common genetically linked disorders. Jan found out she was one of pulmonary disease (COPD), certain types of emphysema andsev- States with AAT deficiency, a pro- being tested for AAT deficiency. reduction or lack of the blood pro- offers complimentary AAT defi- the 100,000 people in the United gressive disease caused by a tein AAT in the lungs.’ Fewer than one in 10 with the condition have been diagnosed. Jan’s AAT deficiency is now augmented by a weekly infusion of alpha,-proteinase inhibitor (A1PI). Although there is no cure for AAT deficiency and Jan will never recover normal lung function, she has been able to stay active and continue working as a special education teacher. She eats healthy, does light yoga, walks on a treadmill daily and enjoys hiking. “Once wefinally had the cor- rect diagnosis, my doctor was able to recommend lifestyle changes and treatments to help reduce further lung damage,” eral other conditions are encour- aged to ask their doctors about Baxter Healthcare Corporation monary disease (COPD)— emphysema, chronic bronchi- tis or bronchiectasis Family history of any of the following: emphysema/COPD, liver disease, or panniculitis Asthma with minimal response to medication, inhalers Shortness of breath with routine activity Cough with or without tion. Baxter has also launched a mucous Wheezing Liver disease with unknown cause deficiency. To date, the company has helped test more than 5,000 diagnosis, one doctor told her she ciency test kits to physicians to screen their patients for the condi- screening and prevalence study to identify people at risk for AAT individuals for AAT deficiency. “Early detection of AAT defi- Emphysema prominent in lowerlobes of lungs Before Jan received the correct had asthma and she was shocked to learn she had AATdeficiency. ciency is crucial since the condition can be accelerated by lifestyle factors, including smoking, and “People who have chronic breathing problems really should Dr. John Butler, a physician at you might havethe condition.” cannot be reversed once it causes deterioration in the lungs,” said Rockford Pulmonology in Rock- be tested for AAT deficiency,” said Jan. “One simple blood test can either rule it out or determine if ford, Ill. “Increased screening and For more information about AATdeficiency or to order an educational brochure about the disor- the disease, it also helps to www.baxter.com. detection of AAT deficiency not only helps individuals who have ' Alpha-1 Network. What is Alpha-1? www.alphaone.org. der, call 1-866-ARALASTorvisit
