BREATHE, MOM
Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) is a genetic condition where the body doesn’t make enough of a protein called alpha-1 antitrypsin, which normally protects the lungs and liver. This deficiency can lead to an increased risk of lung diseases like emphysema, which is characterized by damaged air sacs, impairing breathing, but also chronic bronchitis, as well as liver problems. For these reasons, when someone has AATD, their lungs are more vulnerable to damage from cigarette smoke, air pollution, and other environmental factors. Nowadays, there is no cure for AATD and treatments focus on managing symptoms and reducing complications. These may include medications to improve lung function (augmentative therapy), pulmonary rehabilitation programs, and lifestyle modifications to minimize exposure to harmful substances. But, what if we could prevent these people from developing emphysema and chronic bronchitis by having a cleaner air? How bad are the pollutants of the city for all of us, and especially the children with this condition? To find the reasons why, we recommend you to watch the documentary Breath, mom, directed by Meri Collazos Solà. It offers a poignant exploration of these issues, shedding light on the challenges faced by individuals with AATD and advocating for proactive measures to improve air quality and protect public health.
The documentary is now available on cinemas or you can watch it in FILMIN platform from 10th to 24 of May.
This news has been written by Alvaro Falcón, laboratory technician of the BiSC Project.