Air Quality and Alpha 1- Summer 2023

Michigan Air Quality Index:  https://www.iqair.com/us/usa/michigan

United States: https://www.iqair.com/us/usa

Air Quality Index: https://www.airnow.gov/aqi/aqi-basics/

With the air quality impact from wild fires in North America, questions are circulating on the best approach to reduce the effect for those with chronic lung disease including Alpha1.  Symptoms vary among those at risk and can include increased shortness of breath, increase in cough production and activity intolerance.  Similar to hot humid or dry freezing conditions, poor air quality can also aggravate symptoms. 

Caution should be taken in planning outdoor activities in those areas of poor air quality.  Check the air quality website for the risk index in your area.  Consider delaying activities or locations if air quality is moderate to high risk.  Communicate any change in your symptoms with your primary care or pulmonary teams. Make sure to use your respiratory medicines as prescribed, use the Air Conditioning inside your home and keep your filters clean.  This may be an ongoing issue this summer so having back-up plans is always a good idea!

The goal is to maintain quality of life while minimizing risk.

LSP Team

Happy Valentine’s Day from the team at LSP! 

27 Feb 2023

Donating Plasma-

The first successful blood transfusion on dogs dates back to the mid 1600s England and was later accomplished successfully in humans in 1818 on the obstetrics ward for a post-partum hemorrhage.

Whole blood donation has the biggest impact for those in need. A whole blood includes usable components such as Red Blood Cells, Plasma, Platelets, Cryo and White Blood Cells.

Plasma is the most abundant product in a whole blood sample making up about 55% of our blood volume.  It helps maintain blood pressure and volume status, and supplies critical proteins for blood clotting and immunity. It also carries electrolytes and helps maintain a proper pH balance, which is critical to cell function.

Transfusable components of Plasma include:

• Clotting Factors
• Albumin
• Immune Globulins
• Alpha 1-Proteinase Inhibitor

Once collected, Plasma is frozen and can be stored for up to one year before use.  The Red Cross estimates that at least 6,500 units of Plasma are needed EACH DAY in the United States.

Patients on Alpha-1 replacement therapy need your donations.

Look for a Plasma Donation Center near you.