Living With Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency : The Complete Guide to Risk Factors, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

BEST BOOK AWARD 2019 FINALIST - HEALTH: GENERAL (AMERICAN BOOK FEST)

A knowledgeable handbook with a patient's perspective for those afflicted with the incurable disease known as Alpha-1 Antitrypsin deficiency (A1AD).

Alpha-1 Antitrypsin deficiency (A1AD) is a rare genetic, incurable disease which causes the liver to not produce enough of a certain protein that protects and keeps the lungs functional. 100,000 people in the United States have A1AD and 19 million more are carriers for the disease. Since it's so rare, the information available about A1AD has been lacking especially for those suffering unknowingly with the disease. Living with Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency offers the most up-to-date and comprehensive information on this illness and includes first-hand experience from someone managing the disease. Living with Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency also includes expert advice from doctors and researchers tackling the disease, with tips on recognizing symptoms and getting the most effective help possible.

Samantha Bowick has a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree from Liberty University. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Care Administration at Columbia Southern University. She is devoted to using her education and experiences to advocate for people who suffer with chronic illnesses through Chronic Illness Support, LLC, an organization she recently founded. She is the author of Living with Endometriosis. She currently lives in Aiken, South Carolina.

Marie Bowick has lived in Aiken, South Carolina her entire life. She was diagnosed with Alpha-1 Antitrypsin deficiency at 46 years old and was the primary caregiver to her younger brother when he was also diagnosed with the same disease. Now on disability due to her illness, she previously worked in manufacturing and warehouse stocking. She's been married for 27 years and has two daughters.

Nicholas J. Sanito, DO, is a pulmonologist based in Aiken, South Carolina and is affiliated with Aiken Regional Medical Centers. He received his medical degree from Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine and has been in practice for more than 20 years. His specialties include Critical Care Medicine and Pulmonary Disease.