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Diagnosing Alpha1 takes a simple test

Early detection can make a difference. Find out about the free Grifols AlphaKit you can order.

Bronchitis and Alpha-1

Bronchitis is defined as:

  • Presence of a chronic cough
  • Production of phlegm
  • Symptoms for at least 3 months of the year for at least 2 consecutive years
  • No other underlying lung diseases

Result of inflammation and scarring of the lining of bronchial tubes

Bronchitis produces:

  • Excessive mucous and enlarged mucous glands
  • Inflammation and additional scarring of airways1
  • Reduction in airflow in and out of the lungs

Additional scarring of airways leading to lungs1

Is it bronchitis or Alpha-1?

Bronchitis may occur with Alpha-1, occurring in 5% to 10% of all patients2. Alpha-1 is often misdiagnosed as bronchitis because the symptoms are similar:

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

Testing early is important and easy

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

Alpha-1 cannot be diagnosed clinically, but is easy to diagnose with the free Grifols AlphaKit

next: Alpha-1 Etiology & Heredity >

Important Safety Information

PROLASTIN-C, Alpha1-Proteinase Inhibitor (Human) is indicated for chronic augmentation and maintenance therapy in adults with emphysema due to deficiency of alpha1-proteinase inhibitor (alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency). The effect of augmentation 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 is not indicated as therapy for lung disease in patients in whom severe Alpha1-PI deficiency has not been established.

PROLASTIN-C may contain trace amounts of IgA. Patients with known antibodies to IgA, which can be present in patients with selective or severe IgA deficiency, have a greater risk of developing potentially severe hypersensitivity and anaphylactic reactions. PROLASTIN-C is contraindicated in patients with antibodies against IgA.

The most common drug related adverse reactions during clinical trials in ≥ 1% of subjects were chills, malaise, headache, rash, hot flush, and pruritus.

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 ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders Elsevier. 2008:619-626.
  2. World Health Organization. Bulletin: Alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency: memorandum from a WHO meeting. 1997;75(5):397-415.
  3. 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.