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The Respiratory System
AAT plays an important part in protecting lungs from damaging enzymes. Learning about the respiratory system is an important step in understanding how AAT works and why inadequate AAT can result in lung damage.
The respiratory system allows gas exchange between air and blood, enables speech, provides the first line of defense against infection, and helps regulate the pH of blood.
Components of the Respiratory System
The respiratory tract consists of the nose, nasal cavity, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, and alveoli. The nose and pharynx make up the upper respiratory system, and the larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs comprise the lower respiratory system.
How Does the Respiratory System Work?
The respiratory tract can be divided into a conducting portion that conducts air into the lungs, and a respiratory portion where gas exchange occurs. As air travels through the conducting portion—the nose, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, and bronchioles—air is filtered, warmed, and humidified.
See AAT in actionThe respiratory portion is composed of the smallest bronchioles and alveoli. It is in the alveoli that gas exchange takes place. There are approximately 150 million alveoli in each lung. The respiratory membrane of the alveoli is very thin and covers a large surface area – about the size of a tennis court. This large thin membrane allows oxygen and carbon dioxide to diffuse rapidly and efficiently.
A deficiency of the Alpha-1 protein may result in destruction of alveoli, which leads to reduced surface for gas exchange and less oxygen in the blood. Destruction of alveoli also can cause loss of elasticity and air trapping in the lungs.
ARALAST NP [Alpha1-Proteinase Inhibitor (Human)]
ARALAST NP is indicated for chronic augmentation therapy in patients having congenital deficiency of A1-PI with clinically evident emphysema. ARALAST NP is not indicated as therapy for lung disease patients in whom congenital A1-PI deficiency has not been established.
The effect of augmentation therapy with ARALAST NP on pulmonary exacerbations and on the progression of emphysema in alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency has not been demonstrated in randomized, controlled clinical trials.
Please review the Important Risk Information and the Full Prescribing Information
Please review the Important Risk Information and the Full Prescribing Information
