If you or someone you love has bronchiectasis or COPD, you should be aware of the risk of alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, or A1ATD.
Alpha-1 antitrypsin disorder is an inherited condition characterized by low blood levels of the protein alpha-1 antitrypsin. The deficiency of this protein can lead to lung and liver disease as well as skin problems.
The American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) wants to make sure people are well-informed about A1ATD because it’s frequently associated with bronchiectasis and COPD. Nonetheless, experts report that A1TD is only diagnosed in 4% of individuals living with it—that means there’s a lot of people out there who have it and don’t know about it.
The AARC would like to change that by increasing awareness of A1TD within the medical community. This online course is one way they’re trying to do that. It aims to further define respiratory therapists’ roles and offer them guidance as it pertains to this condition. Some of the topics covered in this course include:
- The pathobiology of A1ATD
- A1ATD and genetics
- Signs and symptoms
- How to detect A1ATD
- Managing stable COPD
- New therapies
The course has received a number of positive reviews. It is $25 for AARC members and $50 for non-members. Certain credit hours are available for this course. This seminar date started earlier this year and expires on the 31st of December, but this isn’t the only e-course being offered. Click here to stay abreast on all the online courses from the AARC!
