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.
- Should You Be Tested? – Download and complete this list of symptoms to give your doctor.
- Symptom Checker – Take the online quiz, then print the results page to take to your doctor.
- Preparing to Visit Your Doctor – Download and complete this form to make the most of your doctor visit. (links to preparing-to-visit-your-doctor.pdf)
- AlphaTest® Kit – Order a test kit and take it to your doctor.
References
- 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.
