What does it mean if your alpha-1 is high?
What does it mean if your alpha-1 is high?
People with Alpha-1 have up to a 30-40 percent chance of developing a liver problem during their lifetime. These problems include cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) and liver cancer. If the liver does get damaged, there are treatments to prevent or slow down problems that can be caused by the liver damage.
What does alpha-1 affect?
People with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency usually develop the first signs and symptoms of lung disease between ages 25 and 50. The earliest symptoms are shortness of breath following mild activity, reduced ability to exercise, and wheezing.
Is alpha-1 a terminal illness?
The rare disorder disorder called alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (Alpha-1) can lead to potentially life-threatening lung and liver diseases, including emphysema and cirrhosis. It affects males and females equally. Treatment depends upon what type of illness is caused by Alpha-1.
Is Alpha-1 Serious?
Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (Alpha-1) is a genetic (inherited) condition – it is passed from parents to their children through their genes. Alpha-1 may result in serious lung disease in adults and/or liver disease at any age.
How long can you live with Alpha-1?
How does Alpha-1 lung disease affect my life expectancy? People who continue to smoke and have Alpha-1 lung disease, have an average life expectance of about 60 years of age.
How do you test for Alpha-1?
Blood Tests and Lung Checks The best way to diagnose alpha-1 is a test that looks at your DNA (genetic information.) Your doctor will take a blood sample. Lab workers will check your sample for the faulty genes that cause alpha-1. Another blood test measures how much of the alpha-1 protein is in your body.
What are the symptoms of alpha 1?
Shortness of breath
What are the symptoms of alpha – 1 disease?
Hives,itching,or itchy,scaly skin (eczema)
What are the signs of early liver disease?
“Liver damage develops silently with no signs or symptoms and people often opportunity for people to find out their risk of liver disease and receive free liver scan to see if there is any early damage. “Approximately 20 per cent of the people
What are the four stages of liver disease?
Stages of Liver Disease. While causes and types of liver disease may vary, the progression of the disease and damage that occurs is similar. Liver disease can generally be broken down into four stages ranging from minor to severe. Stage 1: Inflammation. In the early stages of liver disease, the liver will become swollen or inflamed as the body