Staying Ahead of Alpha-1
Here's what you'll learn on this page:
Small changes in your breathing, energy, or mood may be early signs of a bigger issue
Tracking symptoms and signs of daily lung function to share with your doctor can help you stay ahead of Alpha-1
Being an active participant in your care—by preparing for appointments and advocating for yourself—can lead to better outcomes
Check in with yourself between checkups
When living with Alpha-1, it's important to keep track of any changes you notice in your health—even if they seem small. Recognizing changes early can help you and your doctor stay ahead of potential problems.
What kind of changes should you be looking for?
Breathing changes
- Are you experiencing new or worsening shortness of breath (especially with activity)?
- Are you experiencing chest tightness or pain?
- Are you experiencing wheezing?
- Are you experiencing increased coughing?
- Are you experiencing changes in mucus (amount, color, or thickness)?
Exacerbations
- Are flare-ups happening more often?
- Are they becoming more severe?
Energy and daily function
- Are you feeling more tired than usual?
- Do you have less energy for daily tasks or exercise?
Mood changes
- Have you been feeling depressed or anxious?
Medication use
- Are you using your inhaler, oxygen, or other medications more often than usual?
Connect with the Alpha-1 community
You don't have to navigate Alpha-1 alone.
Working with advocacy groups is a great way to connect with other people living with Alpha-1, find resources, and gain support. These advocacy groups offer educational materials, peer support programs, and connections to specialists who understand Alpha-1. Whether you're looking for answers to questions, seeking community from others who share your experience, or want to stay informed about the latest research, these organizations can help.
This listing is provided as a resource only and does not constitute an endorsement by Sanofi of any particular organization or its programming. Additional resources on this topic may be available and should be investigated. Sanofi does not review or control the content of non-Sanofi websites.