Title: A resolution expressing support for the designation of November 2022 as "National Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency Awareness Month".
Policy area: Health

Summary:
This resolution supports the designation of November 2022 as National Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency Awareness Month. Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency is a genetic disease that increases the risk of harm to the lungs, liver, skin, and blood vessels.

[Congressional Bills 117th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 792 Introduced in Senate (IS)]

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117th CONGRESS
  2d Session
S. RES. 792

 Expressing support for the designation of November 2022 as ``National 
           Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency Awareness Month''.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                           September 22, 2022

    Mr. Scott of Florida (for himself and Mr. Rubio) submitted the 
 following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Health, 
                     Education, Labor, and Pensions

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
 Expressing support for the designation of November 2022 as ``National 
           Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency Awareness Month''.

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; and
Whereas 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 it

    Resolved, That the Senate supports the designation of November 2022 
as ``National Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency Awareness Month''.
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