Bronchitis and Alpha-1

Bronchitis is defined as the presence of a chronic cough and the production of phlegm for at least 3 months of the year for at least 2 consecutive years when there are no other underlying lung diseases.1

Bronchitis is the result of inflammation and scarring of the lining of the bronchial tubes. It produces excess mucous, enlarged mucous glands, reduction of airflow in and out of the lungs, and additional scarring of the airways leading to your lungs.1

Is it bronchitis due to Alpha-1?

Alpha-1 is often misdiagnosed as bronchitis because the symptoms are similar:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Wheezing
  • Chronic cough
  • Recurring chest colds

Testing for Alpha-1

The average Alpha patient experiences symptoms for more than 8 years and sees 3 doctors before being correctly diagnosed with Alpha-1.2 This delay is too long, especially considering the destruction of lung tissue prior to diagnosis. Alpha-1 is easily diagnosed with simple blood tests.

Ask your doctor about a free Talecris AlphaKit that can tell if you have Alpha-1.

next: Heredity Causes Alpha-1 >

Important Safety Information
Prolastin-C, Alpha1-Proteinase Inhibitor (Human) is for adults who have emphysema caused by inherited alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency. The effect of therapy with any alpha1-proteinase inhibitor (alpha1-PI) on pulmonary exacerbations and on the progression of emphysema in alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency has not been demonstrated in randomized, controlled clinical trials.

Prolastin-C may contain trace amounts of IgA. IgA deficient patients with antibodies against IgA should not receive Prolastin-C due to the risk of hypersensitivity.

The most common side effects during clinical trials with Prolastin-C were chills, a general feeling of being unwell, headache, rash, hot flush, and itching.

Prolastin-C is made from human plasma. Products made from human plasma may carry a risk of transmitting infectious agents, e.g., viruses, and, theoretically, the Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) agent.

Please see accompanying Prolastin-C Full Prescribing Information for complete prescribing details.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

References
  1. Anthonisen N. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd edition. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders Elsevier. 2008:619-626.
  2. Campos MA, Wanner A, Zhang G, Sandhaus RA. Trends in the diagnosis of symptomatic patients with alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency between 1968 and 2003. Chest. 2005;128(3):1179-1186.