Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency is a genetic condition that often results in both lung and liver damage. Everyone with COPD should be testes: it's a simple blood stick and costs about $10.00. If your doc doesn't know about it or poo-poos the idea, find another doc. The treatment for Alpha-1 can include some things that aren't necessary for garden variety COPD. Go to www.aplha-1.org for good information.

Sometimes I wonder if because there is no cure for this condition and that it is progressive, that we may not be given the same attention as those who do not suffer from it. I may just be sounding paranoid but just because I sound that way does not mean it isn t true.