I potentially could be at risk for COPD, due to an Alpha- 1 antitrypsin deficiency, which my grandma may have had as well and may or may not have passed it down to me (she most likely did not have this deficiency, but you never know). Because of this potential, I want to focus on healthier habits, which my goals will explain. According to Köhnlein and Welte in Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency: Pathogenesis, Clinical Presentation, Diagnosis, and Treatment (2008), alpha- 1 antitrypsin deficiency is not a rare disease, but is one that is often underdiagnosed. Normally our lungs are protected by antiproteases because our lungs are exposed to airborne pathogens and hazardous substances. One of these antiproteases is alpha- 1 antitrypsin – which normally is at a high concentration in the lungs.
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The ratio of protease in the lungs are larger and in turn, “remain active and slowly proceed to destroy the lung matrix components, alveolar structures, and blood vessels.” (Köhnlein & Welte, 2008). What is interesting is that, according to Köhnlein and Welte, in the US, less than 10,000 have been identified with this deficiency, out of roughly 60, 000 patients. The authors then state, “It is possible that large numbers of affected patients are misclassified as patients with bronchial asthma or smoking-related chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).” (Köhnlein & Welte, 2008). The article did state as well that symptoms of this deficiency tend to show up in early adulthood. I believe, but am not positive, that my grandma did not experience any of the deficiency symptoms. I am also sure that my grandma did not have this deficiency, but regardless if she did or did not, it is still important to note for COPD. I should still be aware of COPD, even if I more than likely do not have this
The ratio of protease in the lungs are larger and in turn, “remain active and slowly proceed to destroy the lung matrix components, alveolar structures, and blood vessels.” (Köhnlein & Welte, 2008). What is interesting is that, according to Köhnlein and Welte, in the US, less than 10,000 have been identified with this deficiency, out of roughly 60, 000 patients. The authors then state, “It is possible that large numbers of affected patients are misclassified as patients with bronchial asthma or smoking-related chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).” (Köhnlein & Welte, 2008). The article did state as well that symptoms of this deficiency tend to show up in early adulthood. I believe, but am not positive, that my grandma did not experience any of the deficiency symptoms. I am also sure that my grandma did not have this deficiency, but regardless if she did or did not, it is still important to note for COPD. I should still be aware of COPD, even if I more than likely do not have this