What demographic is at risk for Alpha-1?
Alpha-1 has been identified in virtually all populations. An estimated 100,000 Americans, and a similar number in Europe, have the deficiency. Alpha-1 is widely under- and misdiagnosed. Less than 10 percent of those predicted to have Alpha-1 have been diagnosed. It often takes an average of three doctors and seven years from the time symptoms first appear before proper diagnosis is made. The Alpha-1 Foundation is working to educate the public, COPD community, physicians, respiratory therapists, and nurses about COPD and Alpha-1 through COPD/Alpha-1 Education Days. The goal of this program is to promote a greater awareness and testing for Alpha-1 within the COPD population.
