Hearty congratulations to Stephen Smith who won 3 bronze medals for Team Ireland at the European Transplant Games. Stephen had a successful double lung transplant in the Mater Hospital in 2013 and was a member of a large team of athletes who represented Ireland at the games in Finland in July. Stephen won his first bronze medal in singles table tennis. He followed this up with 2 bronze medals in single and doubles badminton, and also finished 4th in the bowling. Well done Stephen!
Info Centre
WhatisAlpha-1Antitrypsin?
Alpha-1 antitrypsin is a vital protein produced by the liver to protect the lungs. It provides protection from the harmful effects of infections and inhaled irritants, particularly tobacco smoke. It can be easily measured by a simple blood test.
WhatisAlpha-1AntitrypsinDeficiency?
Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (Alpha-1) is a genetic condition which, after cystic fibrosis, is the commonest genetic disorder in Ireland. It severely affects more than 15,000 people, with another 250,000 carriers also at risk of lung and liver disease on the island of Ireland. It is a proven genetic risk factor for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
HowDoIGetTested?
The Alpha-1 Foundation Ireland provides free testing for Alpha-1 as part of a national screening programme which is funded by the HSE. It is a simple blood test. For more details ring 01-8093871 or email alpha1@rcsi.ie
Three Bronze Medals for Ireland at European Transplant Games
Hearty congratulations to Stephen Smith who won 3 bronze medals for Team Ireland at the European Transplant Games. Stephen had a successful double lung transplant in the Mater Hospital in 2013 and was a member of a large team of athletes who represented Ireland at the games in Finland in July. Stephen won his first bronze medal in singles table tennis. He followed this up with 2 bronze medals in single and doubles badminton, and also finished 4th in the bowling. Well done Stephen!
Info Centre
What is Alpha-1 Antitrypsin?
Alpha-1 antitrypsin is a vital protein produced by the liver to protect the lungs. It provides protection from the harmful effects of infections and inhaled irritants, particularly tobacco smoke. It can be easily measured by a simple blood test.
What is Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency?
Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (Alpha-1) is a genetic condition which, after cystic fibrosis, is the commonest genetic disorder in Ireland. It severely affects more than 15,000 people, with another 250,000 carriers also at risk of lung and liver disease on the island of Ireland. It is a proven genetic risk factor for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
How Do I Get Tested?
The Alpha-1 Foundation Ireland provides free testing for Alpha-1 as part of a national screening programme which is funded by the HSE. It is a simple blood test. For more details ring 01-8093871 or email alpha1@rcsi.ie