Quick Facts about Alpha-1

Here are some things you may not know about Alpha-1:

Alpha-1 is an inherited disease ^1,2
Up to 100,000 people in the US may have it ^2,3
It is about as common as many other better-known diseases, such as sickle cell anemia or cystic fibrosis ^4,5

You might be among the 95% of people with Alpha-1 who have not been diagnosed ³ and Alpha-1 can cause significant problems if left untreated. Any of the following symptoms could be caused by Alpha-1 ³:

Asthma that is not helped by rescue or controller medicines
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (or COPD)

Chronic bronchitis
Emphysema, especially if you do not smoke
Symptoms starting between the ages of 25 and 50
Recurrent colds/pneumonia

Cirrhosis of the liver

You can have peace of mind

To find out more about Alpha-1, click here.

Click here to find out more about Alpha-1 treatment and caring for your lungs.

If you want further information after seeing the resources available on this Web site, click here.

1.	Alpha-1 Foundation - What is Alpha-1? Alpha-1 Fast Facts. Available at: Alphaone.org. Accessed September 16, 2009.
2.	COPD International Network-You Are Not Alone. Available at: http://www.copdinternational.com/Library/alpha-1.htm. Accessed on September 16, 2009.
3.	Ranes J, Stoller JK. A review of alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. Semin Respir Crit Care Med. 2005;26:154-166.
4.	Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. About cystic fibrosis page. Available at: http://www.cff.org/AboutCF. Accessed September 16, 2009.
5.	National Institutes of Health. Genes and disease: sickle cell anemia. Available at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/bv.fcgi?call=bv.View..ShowSection&rid=gnd.section.98. Accessed September 16, 2009.