Question 1

what are the symptoms of inherited emphysema?

Accepted Answer

Alpha one?: Are you referring to alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency? If so, the symptoms are basically the same as copd, they just occur at a younger age than expected (like 20-30s). Symptoms include cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, etc. If the person smokes, the disease is accelerated. Diagnosis is made via a blood test. Treatment includes enzyme replacement as well as usual COPD therapies.

Question 2

i want to know my options for treating inherited emphysema?

Accepted Answer

Pulmonary Medicine: Inherited emphysema may be caused by any one of several dozen different genetic conditions. Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency is one well known cause: http://ghr.Nlm.Nih.Gov/condition/alpha-1-antitrypsin-deficiency. Your pulmonary doctor will be very familiar with these conditions, can diagnose the exact genetic cause, and will develop a personalized treatment plan for you. If you smoke, stop now.

Question 3

how will inherited emphysema affect other parts of my health?

Accepted Answer

"Inherited": Usually means susceptibility to emphysema due to lack of functional in the protein "alpha-1 trypsin inhibitor" (a1at). This is due to one of several possible mutations in the gene, and only some of those mutations are associated with liver disease.  There are no other known genes for "inherited emphysema" that I am aware of, so i can't give you other questions to speak to your doctor about.

Question 4

what is the definition or description of: inherited emphysema?

Accepted Answer

Inherited emphysema: Inherited emphysema =  alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency which can  destroy lung tissue &amp; cause difficulty breathing.

Question 5

can inherited emphysema be prevented?

Accepted Answer

Interited copd: Inherited means coded in your genetics so at the present time prevention is more trying to keep it from getting as bad as it could get, ie don't smoke, take care to get flu and pneumonia shots, and discuss with your dr.

Question 6

what is the cause of emphysema in men?

Accepted Answer

Smoking: Smoking, smoking and smoking. Then there are genetic causes like alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency and rarely occupational exposures. In some parts of the world open pit charcoal burning can cause emphysema.

Question 7

does smoking causeemphysema?

Accepted Answer

Definately: Smoking is the number one risk factor for the development of emphysema.  Other risks include family history, a genetic predisposition (such as Alpha one antitrypsin deficiency) and occupational exposure (usually related to dusts).  If you have no desire to develop emphysema do not smoke.

Question 8

can cigarettes cause emphysema?

Accepted Answer

COPD: Smoking is associated with emphysema.

Question 9

emphysema is a disease, frequently caused by smoking, what are the effects?

Accepted Answer

Damaged air sacs: smoking causes two major kinds of damage - inflammation of the air passages (bronchitis) which ultimately narrows and scars these passages, and damage to the tiny air sacs (alveoli) where oxygen and carbon dioxide is exchanged between air we breathe in and blood in the pulmonary capillaries. Eventually we cannot get in enough oxygen or get rid of carbon dioxide and can't move air- air hunger.

Question 10

was my grandpa's emphysema most likely caused by his 55 year smoking habit?

Accepted Answer

Yes: There are genetic and other environmental causes of emphysema, but a 55 year smoking habit would lead the pack of probable causes every time.

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Cause of inherited emphysema

A member asked:

What are the symptoms of inherited emphysema?

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I want to know my options for treating inherited emphysema?

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How will inherited emphysema affect other parts of my health?

A member asked:

What is the definition or description of: inherited emphysema?

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Can inherited emphysema be prevented?

A member asked:

What is the cause of emphysema in men?

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Does smoking causeemphysema?

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Can cigarettes cause emphysema?

A member asked:

Emphysema is a disease, frequently caused by smoking, what are the effects?

A member asked:

Was my grandpa's emphysema most likely caused by his 55 year smoking habit?

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