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Exercise is very important! It is now recognized that people with lung disease derive significant mental and physical benefits from exercise. Routine exercise improves mental outlook, stamina, and physical well being. The long-term benefits from exercise are significant.1,2
Below you will find answers to the following questions:
Please consult your physician or healthcare provider before beginning any exercise regimen.
What Happens When I Exercise?
When you exercise, your muscles use your body's energy supply for fuel. If you find that you tire quickly when first attempting to exercise, it is probably because people with alpha1-antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency have lower stores of energy available for use by the muscles. These low energy stores result from the higher energy demands associated with the increased work of breathing for people with AAT deficiency. In essence, AAT deficiency is, itself, a form of endurance training secondary to the increased energy demands for breathing.1
What Kind of Exercise Is Best for Me?
Your doctor knows your physical condition and abilities and can suggest the kinds of activities best suited to you. Once you have discussed your goals and objectives, your doctor can tailor an exercise program to your needs or refer you to a trainer or exercise physiologist. Many people find that simple, routine stretching exercises, walking, or bicycling improves exercise tolerance.
The key to success in any exercise program is to consistently follow the regimen that has been carefully designed for you.
How Much Exercise Do I Need to Do?
Consult with the person who helped design your program. The right amount of exercise for each individual depends on his/her overall physical well being and lung function. Generally, it is best to start out slowly with low-intensity activity, such as walking. Chart out the plan and record your progress. After only 3 to 4 weeks, you should begin to see the progress you have made. Set realistic goals and redefine them as your tolerance and stamina improve.1,2
Can I Exercise My Lungs Without Doing Total Body Exercise?
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No, you cannot exercise your lungs directly, but you can exercise the muscles that control breathing. Your doctor may recommend the use of a spirometer, a device which has a valve that provides increasing degrees of resistance to the intake of air. When you breathe in against this valve, it stretches your breathing muscles. Over time, this exercise helps improve lung function. However, this type of respiratory muscle training is not appropriate for everyone with AAT deficiency.2 Ask your doctor if this type of conditioning would be beneficial for you.
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How Do I Get Started on an Exercise Program?
The first step is to see your doctor and work together on developing an exercise plan. Once your doctor approves the plan, it is up to you to start. To help you stay with the program once you've begun, remember to record your progress and reward yourself for your accomplishments.
Key Points to Remember:
Good for your lungs, good for you
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Discuss your physical condition, needs, and restrictions with your doctor. Consult with him or her to help you develop a personally tailored exercise program
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People with AAT deficiency gain significant long-term mental and physical benefits from exercise
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Routine exercise improves your mental outlook, stamina, and well being
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Don't be discouraged—your tolerance for exercise generally increases over time |
References:
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Bach JR, ed. Pulmonary Rehabilitation: the Obstructive and Paralytic Conditions. Philadelphia, PA: Hanley & Belfus;1996.
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Goldstein SA, Askanazi J. Exercise, diet, and the rehabilitation of lung patients. In: Winick M, ed. Nutrition and Exercise. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons;1986:183,186. |
Important Safety Information
Prolastin®, Alpha1-Proteinase Inhibitor (Human) is indicated for chronic replacement therapy of individuals having congenital deficiency of alpha-1 PI (alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency) with clinically demonstrable panacinar emphysema. Weekly Prolastin® therapy has demonstrated a low occurrence of side effects. In clinical studies with Prolastin®, reactions were observed in 1.16% of infusions, the most common events being fever (0.77%), light-headedness (0.19%), and dizziness (0.19%). As with all plasma-derived therapeutics, the potential to transmit infectious agents cannot be totally eliminated. Individuals with selective IgA deficiencies who have known antibody against IgA (anti-IgA antibody) should not receive Prolastin®, since these patients may experience severe reactions, including anaphylaxis, to IgA which may be present.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs
to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Please click here for Prolastin® full Prescribing Information.
Remember, your doctor or healthcare provider is the single best source of information regarding you and your health. Please consult your doctor or healthcare provider if you have any questions about your health or any of your medications.
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