Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency

As some of you recall I have recently been made aware that I have the same condition that took my mother’s life some 30 years ago. Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency is a condition that affects the lungs. It is made in the liver and it works to protect the lungs and liver. I recently found out a cousin of my from the same bloodline as my Mother passed away. My mother passed at the young age of 39. Adults with severe deficiency will develop emphysema, often before age 40. Smoking can increase the risk of emphysema. Other patients can have higher levels of AAT in their blood, and therefore have a less severe condition. I take good care of myself at this point in my life. I do not smoke but my mother and my cousin did. Smoking is a leading cause to many lung diseases. For the person with Alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency, smoking is a one way ticket to ending their life. Studies have even suggested that second hand smoke for this condition is just as bad. I try to avoid second hand smoke as much as I can. So please quit smoking

I know that quitting smoking is a very difficult thing to do. My mother struggled with it for a long time. She told me when I was 13 that she was never going to get better. She was always winded. She was not able to quit until she had to have a tracheotomy. The trach was used so we could suction out her lungs so she could breathe easier. I tell you this so maybe you can quit before it is to late

. I hope you read this post if you are a smoker and realize while I am not a smoker and never was I know how it can be to quit this addiction. My heart goes out to you. You can quit smoking though. I know you can.