Should You Be Tested?

Talk to your healthcare professional about testing if you have:1

Risk Factors:

  • Early onset of emphysema (age 45 years or less)
  • COPD – emphysema, chronic bronchitis or bronchiectasis
  • Family history of any of the following: emphysema/COPD, liver disease, or panniculitis
  • Asthma with minimal response to medication, inhalers
  • Liver disease with unknown cause

Symptoms:

  • Shortness of breath with routine activity
  • Cough with or without mucus
  • Wheezing

Family Members

  • Diagnosed with AAT deficiency
  • Diagnosed as AAT deficiency carriers

Here are tools to take with you when you visit your doctor.

References

  1. Adapted from the American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society Statement. Standards for the diagnosis and management of individuals with AAT deficiency. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2003;168:818-900.