You and your doctor are a team, working together to manage your health for the months or years ahead. This Health Management Plan for Alphas with Lung Disease will help. We recommend that you review your plan together every year. Download Health Management Plan for Lung Disease as a PDF. Using your Health Management Plan…
Alphas often have flare-ups (exacerbations). You have a number of options for treating flare-ups that may ease your symptoms. It’s very important to know all your options. This helps you and your doctor create a treatment plan that suits you best. Download Treating Flare-Ups (Exacerbations) as a PDF. Staying on top of your treatment plan every…
You and your healthcare practitioner should develop a written action plan for flare-ups (exacerbations). This plan may include: Using more medicines to relax and open your airways (bronchodilators) and using them more frequently Adding an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) to your care plan. Or, increasing the dose if you already take one. Adding a new bronchodilator. Using…
Some people with Alpha-1 COPD develop lots of thick, sticky mucus that seems to be trapped in their throat or lungs. This makes it difficult to breathe. Mucolytics thin out the sticky mucus, so it’s easier to cough up. Download Mucolytics as a PDF. You may take mucolytics to treat: Pneumonia Bronchitis Emphysema Bronchiectasis (If…
Recognizing changes in signs and symptoms of your lung disease is an important part of managing your illness. People with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease due to Alpha-1 (Alpha-1 COPD) often have sudden “flare-ups” of symptoms (exacerbations). These may follow periods when they’re totally symptom-free. Download Flare-ups – Signs, Symptoms, and More as a PDF. We…
Outpatient care — your first visit Newborns with severe liver problems are often treated in a hospital setting. But, many children and adults with milder liver disease receive outpatient care after their initial diagnosis. Download Outpatient Care for Alpha-1 Liver Disease as a PDF. Your initial outpatient visit after a diagnosis of Alpha-1-related liver disease…
Your healthcare practitioner will suggest targeted treatment based on how Alpha-1 affects your liver. Let’s take a look at some of these treatments. Download Targeted Treatment for Alpha-1 Related Liver Problems as a PDF. Targeted treatment for poor digestive function Ensure proper nutrition. Treatments for babies and children focus on ensuring normal growth and nutrition.
Whether you’re on your own or doing a formal Pulmonary Rehabilitation program, safety is very important. Let’s take a look at some questions and answers about exercising with Alpha-1 lung disease. Download Exercising with Alpha-1 Lung Disease – Questions & Answers as a PDF. What should I wear? You don’t need to run to the…
To avoid feeling short of breath (dyspnea), Alphas with lung disease often limit their physical activity. This can cause a downward spiral. You don’t exercise because it makes you feel bad. So, your fitness level drops. And, the next time you exercise, you feel even worse. Download Exercise for Alphas with Lung Disease as a…
Monitoring your exertion (effort) during exercise is critical for anyone beginning a program. But, it’s even more important when you have Alpha-1 lung disease. Monitoring lets you get the most benefit from your program, and ensures that you’re safe and comfortable. Download Exertion and Exercise Safety – What You Need to Know as a PDF.
Every workout session should start and end with warm-up and stretching exercises. This reduces your risk of getting hurt and releases muscle tension and soreness. Download Warm-up & Stretching Exercises for Alphas as a PDF. Warm-up and stretching exercises should always be completed prior to beginning more strenuous activities to reduce the risk of injury.
Strength training is a key part of any exercise program. It can help increase your stamina and reduce shortness of breath. This means you can do more of the things you want to do. Download Strength Training Recommendations for Alphas as a PDF. Let’s look at some strength training exercises for your upper and lower…
