Question 1

What is Emphysema?

Accepted Answer

Emphysema is a progressive lung disease that damages the air sacs in the lungs, making breathing difficult. It is caused by long-term exposure to irritants like cigarette smoke or a genetic deficiency of Alpha-1-Antitrypsin, an enzyme that protects lung tissue from damage. The Alpha-1-Antitrypsin Quantitative test is the most important test for identifying genetic causes of emphysema.

Question 2

What causes emphysema?

Accepted Answer

Emphysema is caused by long-term exposure to airborne irritants, with cigarette smoking being the leading cause. Other contributors include secondhand smoke, air pollution, chemical fumes, and dust exposure in the workplace. A genetic condition called Alpha-1-Antitrypsin Deficiency can also cause emphysema, particularly in younger individuals or non-smokers. When you have this genetic deficiency, your lungs lack the protective enzyme needed to prevent white blood cells from damaging lung tissue during normal immune responses.

Question 3

What is the best test for emphysema?

Accepted Answer

The Alpha-1-Antitrypsin Quantitative test is the most important blood test for emphysema because it identifies the genetic deficiency that causes early-onset emphysema in non-smokers or minimal smokers. This test measures the level of Alpha-1-Antitrypsin enzyme in your blood, which protects your lungs from inflammation damage. Low levels indicate a genetic deficiency that significantly increases your risk of developing emphysema, especially before age 45. While emphysema itself is diagnosed through lung function tests and imaging, the Alpha-1-Antitrypsin test is essential for understanding the underlying cause and guiding treatment decisions, including family screening recommendations.

Question 4

When should I get tested for emphysema?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you develop emphysema symptoms before age 50, have a family history of emphysema or Alpha-1-Antitrypsin Deficiency, or experience breathing problems without significant smoking history. Testing is also important if you have emphysema that affects the lower portions of your lungs, which is unusual for smoking-related emphysema. Additionally, if you have unexplained liver disease along with lung symptoms, or if multiple family members have been diagnosed with COPD or emphysema, you should get an Alpha-1-Antitrypsin test to determine if a genetic cause is present.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of emphysema?

Accepted Answer

Emphysema symptoms develop gradually and include shortness of breath that worsens over time, especially during physical activity. You might notice a chronic cough that produces mucus, wheezing, chest tightness, and frequent respiratory infections. As the disease progresses, you may feel tired all the time, lose weight unintentionally, and experience swelling in your ankles or feet. Many people do not notice symptoms until significant lung damage has already occurred, which is why early testing is important if you have risk factors like smoking history or family history of lung disease.

Question 6

Who is at risk for emphysema?

Accepted Answer

Current and former cigarette smokers face the highest risk for emphysema, with risk increasing based on how many years you smoked and how much you smoked. People with Alpha-1-Antitrypsin Deficiency have a genetic predisposition to emphysema, even without smoking. Other risk factors include exposure to secondhand smoke, workplace exposure to chemical fumes or dust, being between ages 40-60, and having frequent respiratory infections. Indoor air pollution from cooking or heating with biomass fuels also increases risk, as does outdoor air pollution in heavily polluted areas.

Question 7

What happens if emphysema is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated emphysema progressively damages your lungs, leading to severe breathing difficulties that interfere with daily activities like walking or dressing. The disease can cause life-threatening complications including respiratory failure, collapsed lung (pneumothorax), heart problems (especially right-sided heart failure), and large holes in the lungs called giant bullae. You become more susceptible to frequent and severe respiratory infections that can worsen lung damage. As emphysema advances, you may require supplemental oxygen therapy or become dependent on mechanical ventilation, and the condition significantly reduces life expectancy if not properly managed.

Question 8

Can emphysema be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Emphysema itself cannot be diagnosed with a blood test, as diagnosis requires lung function tests (spirometry) and chest imaging (CT scan or X-ray). However, the Alpha-1-Antitrypsin Quantitative blood test is essential for identifying the genetic deficiency that causes emphysema in some people. This blood test measures the protective enzyme levels in your blood and determines whether your emphysema has a genetic cause. If you test positive for Alpha-1-Antitrypsin Deficiency, additional genetic testing may be recommended to confirm the diagnosis and determine the specific genetic mutation you carry.

Question 9

How is emphysema treated?

Accepted Answer

Emphysema treatment focuses on slowing disease progression and managing symptoms since lung damage cannot be reversed. The most critical step is quitting smoking immediately if you smoke. Medications include bronchodilators to open airways, inhaled steroids to reduce inflammation, and supplemental oxygen therapy when blood oxygen levels are low. For people with Alpha-1-Antitrypsin Deficiency, replacement therapy with intravenous infusions of the missing enzyme may slow lung damage. Pulmonary rehabilitation programs, which include exercise training and education, help improve quality of life. In severe cases, lung volume reduction surgery or lung transplantation may be considered.

Question 10

How can I prevent emphysema?

Accepted Answer

The single most effective way to prevent emphysema is to never start smoking or to quit immediately if you currently smoke. Avoid long-term exposure to secondhand smoke, air pollution, and occupational dust or chemical fumes by using proper protective equipment at work. If you have Alpha-1-Antitrypsin Deficiency, avoid smoking completely and minimize exposure to lung irritants, as your genetic condition makes you more vulnerable to lung damage. Get vaccinated against pneumonia and influenza to prevent respiratory infections that can worsen lung health. Maintain good overall health through regular exercise and a balanced diet to support lung function.

Question 11

What can I do at home for emphysema?

Accepted Answer

At home, practice breathing exercises like pursed-lip breathing and diaphragmatic breathing to help you breathe more efficiently and reduce shortness of breath. Use a humidifier to keep air moist, which can ease breathing and reduce coughing. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water to help thin mucus in your lungs. Avoid cold air, which can trigger breathing difficulties, by wearing a scarf over your nose and mouth outdoors in winter. Create a clean, dust-free environment at home by regularly cleaning and avoiding irritants like strong perfumes, cleaning products, and aerosol sprays. Pace your activities to conserve energy and rest when needed to prevent exhaustion.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
                You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
                If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
            Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Emphysema Blood Test

What is Emphysema?

What causes emphysema?

What is the best test for emphysema?

When should I get tested for emphysema?

References

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