Protecting Your Lungs

Why Is It So Important to Protect the Lungs?

Alpha₁-antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency leads to a slowly progressing deterioration of lung function. Certain harmful irritants can accelerate this development. Some of these irritants, like tobacco smoke, air pollution, and dust, are environmentally related. Others are factors inherent to the body.

For example, the number of white blood cells in the body increases as a reaction to infection. This causes the release of a substance, called neutrophil elastase, which can be harmful to the lungs. The best protection for your lungs is therefore avoidance of such harmful stimuli. To find out how to help avoid these harmful stimuli read the guidance below.

Under normal conditions the enzyme neutrophil elastase helps in eliminating infectious agents or inhaled dirt particles. When the neutrophil elastase has done its work, its activity must be suppressed by AAT, a protective protein of the lungs, so that healthy lung tissue is not damaged.

People with AAT deficiency have too little inhibitor and therefore cannot counteract the neutrophil elastase.

What Factors Can Hasten the Deterioration of Lung Function?

Smoking

Under normal conditions the enzyme neutrophil elastase helps clean up debris in the lungs brought about by infection or inhaled pollutants. Once neutrophil elastase has done its job, AAT, a protective protein in the lungs, inactivates neutrophil elastase and prevents further damage to healthy lung tissue. People with AAT deficiency lack the ability to turn off neutrophil elastase activity. Smoking increases the neutrophil elastase burden in the lungs, and may hasten the progression of lung damage.

There are therapeutic and behavior modification programs to assist you with smoking cessation. You should discuss them with you doctor. If you live in the United States, you may want to call the American Lung Association (1-800-LUNG-USA, 1-800-586-4872) or visit their Web site (www.lungusa.org.) for more information.

Quitting is not easy, but it can be done. Do not give up if your first attempt fails. Keep trying and chances are you will be successful.

Lung infections

It is important to prevent infections and to treat them aggressively when they occur. When you develop an infection, your body responds by producing more white blood cells to help fight the infection. White blood cells release neutrophil elastase, which can damage the lungs of people with AAT deficiency.

Therefore, it is very important to call your doctor at the earliest signs of cold or flu. Be sure to follow your doctor's advice for appropriate treatment. In addition, you may want to discuss the need to be vaccinated against influenza and pneumonia.

Also, avoid contact with people suffering a cold. Washing your hands is the single most effective way to avoid contracting or spreading infectious diseases.

Minimize exposure to environmental pollutants

There are several environmental hazards, both at home and in the workplace that people with AAT deficiency should avoid if possible.

Second-hand smoke

Smoke is dangerous for anyone with AAT deficiency, even when it comes from another person's cigarette. If someone in your household smokes, ask them to stop, or step outside when smoking, or avoid being around them when they are smoking.

Pollutants in the workplace

Be sure to wear a mask if you are exposed to dust or vapors in the workplace. If possible, ask to be moved to a place with more favorable conditions. If necessary, you should consult an environmental or occupational physician.

Air pollution

Pay particular attention on hot summer days to ozone warnings on the radio. Stay at home and avoid physical exertion when the values are too high. If pollution remains a problem in your area, you may want to consider moving to a less polluted locale.

Home heating and air conditioning systems

Wood stoves may generate harmful particles that can be inhaled in the home environment. These particles can be damaging to the lungs of people with AAT deficiency. Avoid using wood stoves if possible.

Remember to change filters in heating and air conditioning ventilation systems and clear ducts on a regular basis to ensure optimum functioning and reduce inhaled particulates.

Key Points to Remember:

Protect yourself by protecting your lungs

			Do not smoke
			Avoid harmful exposure to harmful environmental pollutants
			Minimize your risk of lung infections and call your doctor immediately if you suspect an infection
			Give yourself the best chance for continued good health by protecting your lungs