The AlphaCare Regional Days are a collaboration between Alpha1 Germany e.V. and Grifols Germany GmbH. The aim is to link theory and practice through interesting and informative topics. You can expect interactive exercises, informative presentations, and an intensive exchange with other affected individuals and their families. More information is available [here/on the website/etc.]. here.

The Stuttgart region self-help group was pleased to accept an invitation to a very interesting Alpha-Care regional day on February 8, 2020. Dr. Sören Sitter gave a presentation on the topic of "Emergency Management for Alpha-1." Nearly twenty members attended and experienced much more than "just" the advertised topic.

Dr. Sitter vividly described the fundamentals to make the topic of shortness of breath understandable. Even healthy family members were able to experience the sensation of not being able to exhale sufficiently and then becoming breathless by breathing through a straw. The various causes of shortness of breath were discussed. The recognition of a worsening condition leading to an emergency, i.e., the warning symptoms and the different acute lung conditions, from pneumothorax and pneumonia to embolism, were also explained. The important aspect of clearing mucus in the unstable or acute phase was discussed, along with helpful tips for everyday life. Participants practiced the correct exhalation pressure using pursed-lip breathing with a 10ml disposable syringe (remove the plunger, close your lips around the wide end of the syringe, and exhale through the syringe). A possible action plan for the progression of "stable lungs – unstable lungs – infection" was presented. Afterwards, everyone practiced breathing-easing postures together. It was important to distinguish between diagnostic options for assessing one's own well-being at home—especially peak flow measurement—and therapeutic options for treating an infection. Finally, family members were asked to participate and provided with an emergency plan. Since many of our group are experts in lung function, several interesting discussions arose on broader topics, making the event very engaging. For example, I gained a better understanding of the physiology of respiratory drive in healthy individuals and those who are ill, and I now know that high oxygen levels aren't necessarily helpful and can even be fatal—a real eye-opener. Many thanks to Dr. Sitter, who tirelessly answered all our questions, spoke very clearly, and made his presentation captivating for everyone.

The choice of hotel (Pullman in Stuttgart Vaihingen) also proved to be a stroke of luck; the facilities, the catering, the location, and the friendliness of the staff were perfect. Many thanks to the Alpha-Care team for providing us with a top-class event in a wonderful setting.