COPD

COPD is the abbreviation for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It is estimated that three to five million people in Germany suffer from COPD. Since the symptoms of COPD are similar to those of alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, Every COPD patient should be tested for alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency at least once in their lifetime. have been. You can find more information here. here.

Diagnosis of COPD and risk factors for the development of COPD:

Body's own factors:
• Genetic predisposition (e.g., alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency)
• Bronchial hypersensitivity
• Age and gender
• Disruption of lung growth

Acquired factors:
• Inhalation of tobacco
• Occupational dusts and gases
• General air pollution
• Life situation
• Frequent respiratory infections in childhood

The current guideline You can find information about COPD here here.

The patient guideline (2nd edition, 2022, consultation version) can be found here. here

Information on diagnosisCOPD and the diagnostic classification into COPD severity grades according to GOLD.

Would you like to connect with other people affected by COPD and are looking for comprehensive information? Then we recommend attending the Lung Symposium in Hattingen. It takes place annually at the beginning of September.

Information on assistive devices and pulmonary emphysema

The very informative magazines "Atemwege" and "Lungen" were kindly provided to us by the Patient Library The materials are available and can be downloaded further down. Since the Spring 2016 issue, Alpha1 Germany has been a media partner of the Patient Library and has been represented in every issue of the magazine, which now has a circulation of 30,000 copies.

Self-help groups, doctors and clinics can also access the patient library's website. free order Initiate the production of the printed version in the desired quantity (group order) for distribution to interested parties.

Could it be Alpha-1? – A English-speaking Diagnostic history. Please also read on the Alpha-1 Foundation website the Clinical Practice Guidelines – The Diagnosis and Management of Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency in the Adult.

You can find various patient guides on the topics of COPD, pulmonary emphysema, bronchiectasis and rehabilitation from COPD-Deutschland eV. here

All issues of the airmail service are available for download. here.