117 SRES 792 IS: Expressing support for the designation of November 2022 as “National Alpha–1 Antitrypsin Deficiency Awareness Month”.
U.S. Senate
2022-09-22
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Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.
Whereas an estimated 1 in every 2,500 individuals in the United States have the genetic disorder alpha–1 antitrypsin deficiency (referred to in this preamble as Alpha–1
);Whereas there are an estimated 19,000,000 carriers of Alpha–1 in the United States who may pass Alpha–1 on to their children;Whereas Alpha–1 can lead to lung destruction and is often misdiagnosed as asthma or smoking-related chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD);Whereas Alpha–1 symptoms relating to the lungs include—(1)shortness of breath;(2)wheezing;(3)chronic bronchitis;(4)recurring chest colds;(5)less exercise tolerance;(6)year-round allergies; and(7)bronchiectasis;Whereas Alpha–1 occurs when there is a lack of a protein in the blood called alpha–1 antitrypsin, which is mainly produced by the liver;Whereas Alpha–1 symptoms relating to the liver include—(1)unexplained liver disease or elevated liver enzymes;(2)eyes and skin turning yellow, known as jaundice;(3)swelling of the abdomen, known as ascites, or legs; and(4)vomiting blood;Whereas Alpha–1 is the most commonly known genetic risk factor for emphysema;Whereas Alpha–1 can affect individuals at any age;Whereas Alpha–1 cannot be diagnosed by symptoms or by a medical examination alone;Whereas individuals who may have Alpha–1 must take a blood test to confirm a diagnosis;Whereas early diagnosis and avoiding risk factors, such as smoking, can help prevent Alpha–1 from causing disease; andWhereas November 2022 would be an appropriate month to designate as National Alpha–1 Antitrypsin Deficiency Awareness Month to—(1)raise awareness about Alpha–1; and(2)encourage more individuals to get tested for Alpha–1 if they present symptoms: Now, therefore, be itThat the Senate supports the designation of November 2022 as National Alpha–1 Antitrypsin Deficiency Awareness Month
.