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

is emphysema inherited?

Accepted Answer

Could be rarely: Most commonly it is from smoking. But some people have Alpha 1 antitruson deficiency they can get  emphysema  still smoking plays a major role.

Question 7

can emphysema affect small children?

Accepted Answer

Yes: 3% of babies in the neonatal intensive care unit can have interstitial pulmonary emphysema. There is a genetic condition that causes low levels of an enzyme that protects the lungs, and these patients can get emphysema even without smoking, but it does not affect small children. (it might be apparent in their 30's or 40's). Thanks @yayayarndiva.

Question 8

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 9

what can be initial signs of emphysema?

Accepted Answer

Emphysema : The elasticity of the lung is impaired in emphysema reducing the patient's ability to exhale resulting in wheezing and shortness of breath. Early symptoms may also include daily cough particularly in the morning.  Recurrent episodes of bronchitis can occur as the disease progresses.  Severe emphysema can also cause low oxygen levels, heart failure, and death.

Question 10

ok i've got emphysema. what should i do?

Accepted Answer

COPD action plan: Assessing severity with physicians comprehensive exam, test pulmonary functions, response to nebulisers.
Quit smoking and environment and work related causes be modified.
Good diet, education, phenotype for a1antitrypsin def.
Pulmonary rehab.
Judicious use of antibiotics in exacerbations.
Oxygen if needed.
Worse cases need volume reductionu surgery or lung transplant.

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Inherited emphysema in children

A member asked:

What are the symptoms of inherited emphysema?

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I want to know my options for treating inherited emphysema?

A member asked:

How will inherited emphysema affect other parts of my health?

A member asked:

What is the definition or description of: inherited emphysema?

A member asked:

Can inherited emphysema be prevented?

A member asked:

Is emphysema inherited?

A member asked:

Can emphysema affect small children?

A member asked:

What is the cause of emphysema in men?

A member asked:

What can be initial signs of emphysema?

A member asked:

Ok i've got emphysema. what should i do?

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