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COPD: Is it genetic? alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency
This was sent to me by COPD.net via the National, heart, lung and blood Institute. I wonder if anyone has been tested for any genetic component of COPD. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/alpha-1-antitrypsin-deficiency#Causes.
There are certain precautions that people with COPD should take to protect ourselves. Unless you are allergic everyone should have had a flu shot by now. If you haven't please check with your doctor to see if there is any reason why you should not. Also pulmonary rehab is a big thing in recovering some of lung function to help you breath better. I took it and all I can say is , OH BOY! IT HELPED tremendously.
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I have copd and. Just this past year have found out i am a alpha 1 carrier. So how do i know if my copd is caused from that or just luck of the draw. I go into a support group on facebook and from there it seems likeveverything i have is connected to alpha 1. For instance i had a hysterectomy from endrometrious. I have gerd. I get diverticulitus Had gall bladder removed so i run to the bathroom. Am diabetic. Had a heart attack. Have spinal stenosis. And i am getting tired. Most of the things have have happened since i was 62. I am now. 74. Since i am a carrier is there anyway to be certain that someof these things are connected to alpha. Oh also have lung cancer and skin cancer. Please excuse my spelling
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1 ReactionGood morning again @sakota. I also have COPD but I had to look up alpha 1 carrier. I have never been tested. How did you come to know that your COPD is genetic? Many of us here have multiple diseases. I'm 72 and started my journey when I was 51. Just off the cuff of my brain I think that you may have to ask a geneticist about any connection of any other illnesses and your genetic factor. I found this for you: https://www.alpha1.org/what-is-alpha1 This goes into a lot of detail How has your COPD been treated? I have 3 inhalers. Do you presently have an active cancer?
I dont know if my copd is the genetic or not since i Am just a. Carrier. Mz. Those with zz. Have the most problems with both liver and lungs. And i i dont know if anything else is connected or not. Thats what i am trying to find out. I want to set up an appointment with someone at mayo who specializes in alpha. I found out by having dna testing done with medical issues. But then i also had it checked by sending to mayo.
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1 ReactionSakota: If you are a carrier that means that you inherited at least one gene from one parent. I think that setting up an appointment with a speciaist at Mayo is smart. check this out: About 234,000 results (0.65 seconds)
https://www.verywellhealth.com/copd-causes-risk-factors-914865Search Results
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Is COPD Hereditary? Learn the Risk Factors - Healthline
https://www.healthline.com/health/copd/is-copd-hereditary
Jan 25, 2017 - If you inherit only one copy of the gene, you'll be a carrier. This means you won't have the disease, but you can pass the gene to your children. If you have AATD, you can protect your lungs by not smoking.
not sure if hereditary or not mother died w/lung cancer
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1 ReactionHi @merpreb @sakota and @joangma, you'll notice that I added your discussion to the Lung Health group (https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/lung-conditions/) as well as the Lung Cancer group.
You may also be interested in connecting with @nancyjac @waterboy @pattykuhns and joining this discussion as we grow the support group around Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency:
* Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency - just been diagnosed https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/alpha-1-antitrypsin-deficiency-just-been-diagnosed/
Joan, do you have COPD?
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1 ReactionYes I do
Thank you Colleen. I think that mine is caused by smoking. No doctor has mentioned anything else.
I am her husband Wayne. yes I have COPD, they say it is in moderate stage -what is that stage 1-2-3-4 ???
Wayne- Hello. Here is some information about stages: https://www.copdfoundation.org/Learn-More/I-am-a-Person-with-COPD/Stages-of-COPD.aspx?gclid=Cj0KCQiAi57gBRDqARIsABhDSMoQxIAeK6WQui26RzyHNaYZ7Bu1lqwwa7UbbptlvrpB2kEyGQpgAqgaAo_jEALw_wcB
I also think that if there is lung cancer too that it is maybe difficult to tell yourself what is cancer and what is COPD. Breathing tests that your doctor orders measures those.