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Number
one:
if
you
smoke,
stop
now!
No
other
single
factor
can
improve
an
Alpha's
chance
for
survival
as
much
as
stopping
smoking.
Inhaling
smoke
into
the
lungs
summons
massive
amounts
of
neutrophil
elastase
to
the
lungs.
What's
more,
cigarette
smoke
renders
the
available
alpha-1
antitrypsin
useless.
Avoiding
irritants
such
as
chemicals,
pollution,
dust,
and
ozone
is
also
extremely
important.
Protecting
yourself
against
lung
infections,
when
possible,
is
highly
advisable.
Most
physicians
recommend
pneumonia
vaccines
and
annual
flu
shots.
It's
best
to
err
on
the
safe
side:
any
type
of
irritant,
bacteria
or
virus
that
could
make
its
way
to
the
lungs
should
be
avoided.
This
includes
pollen,
ash,
wood
burning
stoves,
etc.
Limiting
these
risks-and
thus
reducing
the
amount
of
neutrophil
elastase
needed
in
the
lungs-can
have
a
profound
effect
on
limiting
lung
damage.
To
take
care
of
the
liver,
drink
alcohol
rarely
if
at
all.
Also,
be
sure
to
read
labels
of
over-the-counter
medications
or
herbal
supplements
very
carefully.
Be
sure
to
tell
your
healthcare
provider
about
vitamins
and
supplements
you
take.
You
should
also
avoid
chemicals
that
can
be
absorbed
through
the
skin.
This
includes
bleach,
ammonia
or
other
cleaning
solvents.
Importantly,
the
same
things
that
are
good
for
everyone
are
good
for
Alpha
patients:
exercise,
diet,
and
generally
taking
care
of
oneself
are
crucial
to
maintaining
a
good
quality
of
life
once
you
have
Alpha-1.
With
Alpha-1,
an
ounce
of
prevention
is
the
key.
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