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Alpha 1 Anti Trypsin Deficiency

GastroDoxs in Houston has created an Alpha 1 Anti Trypsin Deficiency screening and custom care program that offers patients knowledge examination, personalized care with neighboring homestead guaranteeing liver and lung health care to the coastal population.

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Bharat Pothuri
Symptoms

What is Alpha 1 Anti Trypsin Deficiency?

Alpha 1 Anti Trypsin Deficiency (AATD) is a genetic disease that may be described by the mutation of SERPINA1 gene. It also causes a decline in the levels of the alpha-1 antitrypsin protein since the one that normally assists in stopping the destruction of your lungs and the overproduction of proteins in your liver.

Common Symptoms

The symptoms fail to show themselves very frequently until adulthood. When they do, you may notice:

  • Unbelievable wheezing, dyspnea.
  • Frequent chest infections.
  • Fatigue or drowsiness of abnormal character.
  • Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and the yellow in the eyes).
  • Belly pain/discomfort due to swollen liver.

Causes

AATD is a hereditary disease, which can be influenced by the environment and way of life:

  • Mutation of SERPINA1 gene leading to the production of peptide antitrypsin.
  • Carried an autosomal codominant (defective gene of one parent or both parents).
  • Lung damage occurs quicker due to air pollution and smoking.
  • Some drugs or excessive alcohol use may worsen liver injury.
  • Other liver diseases may also be complicated with protein accumulation in the liver.
Treatment

Treatment Options for Alpha 1 Anti Trypsin Deficiency in Houston

The methodology is special treatment and supportive therapy:

  • Protein therapy (augmentation): Infusion of alpha -1 antitrypsin in your lungs and blood regularly (2-3 times per month) to raise the concentration of protective factors in your body.
  • Inhalers and inhaled steroids: Inhalers and steroids of this kind enlarge airways, reduce inflammation and diffuse breathing.
  • Smoking Cessation: Support needed: Help and nicotine replacement therapy needed to help you quit smoking and maintain lung capacity.
  • Pulmonary rehab and exercise: Pulmonary-specific physical exercise diets and breathing patterns in order to strengthen the respiratory muscles and increase the endurance.
  • Liver surveillance: Monthly blood tests (LFTs) and radiogram to trace the liver status and complications in their initial formation.
  • Referrals to liver transplant: The liver examines and refers to transplant specialist in case of advancedliver disease or cirrhosis.
  • Periodic lung testing: Spirometry and other tests to check the development of the illness and amend the drug at the needed time.

Why Choose GastroDoxs for Alpha 1 Anti Trypsin Deficiency?

GastroDoxs in Houston will make sure that you and your AATD are safely in the hands of the combination of professional diagnostics, a treatment plan that is specifically designed, and a friendly approach to you. Our professionals in their respective fields will guide you to genetic counseling and protein augmentation therapy to consistent check-ups of the liver and lungs. You should not wait any longer and you should make your reservation now and work with the trusted team of care providers of AATD in Houston and you will gain health and peace of mind in the long-term.

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Patients Treated

We've successfully treated more than 1.5K patients, helping individuals improve their digestive health and overall well-being through expert, personalized care.

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Years of Experience

With over 20 years of experience, GastroDoxs has been a trusted provider of gastroenterology care, focusing on delivering the best outcomes for patients

Bharat Pothuri

About the Author

Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the cause of Alpha 1 Anti Trypsin Deficiency?

Alpha 1 Anti Trypsin Deficiency is an inherited disease due to mutation of SERPINA1 gene which causes less of the alpha-1 antitrypsin protein to be produced or active.

How is AATD diagnosed?

Diagnosis involves blood tests to establish the concentration of alpha-1 antitrypsin, screening of genetic mutations of SERPINA1, and lung volumes to establish respiratory impact.

What is the ICD-10 code for AATD?

The J96.1 (acute and chronic respiratory failure) is the most commonly used ICD-10 code to be applied in the respiratory issues related to AATD and help to ensure sufficient medical records and billing.

Can AATD affect the liver?

Yes. The resultant protein malforming alpha-1 antitrypsin may accumulate in the liver leading to inflammation, fibrosis, cirrhosis or liver failure in the long run.

When would I recommend a visit to a gastroenterologist in Houston?

You will desire to see a specialist in case of jaundice(yellowing of the skin or eyes), unexplainable abdominal swelling, liver pain, or abnormal liver functional tests.

Is AATD curable?

No cure of AATD exists but the cure of the disease involves protein augmentation therapy and lifestyle changes that slow-down the progression of the disease and control the symptoms.

How often would augmentation therapy be used?

The rigorous course of augmentation therapy is typically being carried out intravenously with the aid of an infusion either weekly or every two weeks based on the recommendations of your physician and the concentration of the amount of protein in your organism.

Can lifestyle modification be applied in the treatment of AATD?

Absolutely. In order to preserve the state of lungs and liver, one may quit smoking, avoid second-hand smoking and air pollutants, maintain normal weight, and exercise.

Should family members be tested on AATD?

Yes. AATD is a genetic disease and the genetic sizing and analysis of close relatives play an important role in identifying carriers or the disease among close relatives at tender age.

And where do I find one of the AATD professionals in Houston?

Book the Alpha 1 experts of GastroDoxs in Houston. We offer in-depth evaluation, genetic therapy and individualized treatment regimes.

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