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

Bill: 117-sres-792
Sponsor: full_name: Sen. Scott, Rick [R-FL]
Introduced: 2022-09-22
Policy area: Health
Latest action: action_date: 2022-09-22
text: Referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (text: CR S4973)

Summaries:
action_date: 2022-09-22
action_desc: Introduced in Senate
text: <p>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.</p>

tv_txt: III 117th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 792 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

That the Senate supports the designation of November 2022 as National Alpha–1 Antitrypsin Deficiency Awareness Month .