Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency

In this episode, Dr. James Stoller, chairman of the Education Institute at Cleveland Clinic, explains what Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency is, the effect it has on the body and what testing is available for diagnosis. He shares that shortness of breath is the most common symptom of the deficiency and encourages listeners to ask their physician about pulmonary function testing if this is a symptom they have experienced for a prolonged period of time. He stresses the importance of testing if a family member has received a diagnosis and explains the steps that can be taken to minimize the decline in lung function associated with the deficiency.