Contact Us
|
Glossary
About Alpha-1
Quick Facts
Symptoms
Who Is at Risk?
Treatments
Treatment Options
When it comes to treating Alpha-1, you have many options.
If a test shows you have Alpha-1, there is help.
Most options treat the symptoms of Alpha-1. One option treats the lack of Alpha-1 antitrypsin itself. The most effective treatment may use both approaches. Ask your doctor what is right for you.
Treatment of the symptoms for Alpha-1 includes:
1
Fast and strong treatment of lung infections
Bronchodilators
(bron-cho-die-lay-tors) to decrease symptoms
Corticosteroids
(during flare-ups)
Oxygen (for low oxygen levels or an active infection)
Yearly flu shot (with inactivated vaccine)
Pneumonia shot (about every 5 to 6 years)
In addition,
augmentation therapy
may be recommended. This supports the lungs by replacing the alpha-1 antitrypsin you have lost.
Click
here
to learn about an augmentation therapy or call the CSL Behring Consumer Affairs Department at 1-866-936-2472.
1.
Alpha-1 Foundation. Drugs and Other Therapies. Available at:
http://www.alpha1.org/whatisalpha1/drugtherapy.php
. Accessed on September 16, 2009.