Lung Disease Program Offers Facts and Free Testing

Lung diseases are some of the most common medical conditions in the world. Tens of millions of people suffer from lung disease in the United States. The Community Nurses will host a Lung Disease Program on Wednesday, August 6 at 6:00 p.m. at The Red Fern in St. Marys. The presentation will be of interest to anyone who has COPD, lung cancer, a lung disease diagnosis, or a family history of lung disease.

This free educational evening will begin with a presentation by Sandeep Bansal, MD, FCCP, FACP, Medical Director of The Lung Center of Penn Highlands DuBois. One of the many topics Dr. Bansal will discuss is new techniques for the early detection and screening of lung cancer. A question and answer session will follow.

A free Grifols Alpha 1 screening will be offered to those with COPD, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, or those with appropriate risk factors. Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, or AAT deficiency, is a condition that raises your risk for lung disease (especially if you smoke) and other diseases. Alpha-1 is the most common genetic risk factor for COPD and may be tested by a simple finger stick.

Approximately 1-3% of all people diagnosed with COPD could have undiagnosed Alpha-1. COPD is the most prevalent clinical disorder associated with Alpha-1. Alpha-1 is often misdiagnosed as simple COPD because the symptoms are similar: shortness of breath, wheezing, chronic cough, and recurring chest colds. The average Alpha patient experiences symptoms for more than 8 years, and sees 3 doctors before being correctly diagnosed with Alpha-1.

There are many forms of lung disease. Lung cancer is a complicated disease affecting over 370,000 Americans each year. COPD is the third leading cause of death in the United States. Asthma makes breathing difficult for millions of Americans, both young and old.