February 29 marks World Rare Disease Day. They are so named because they affect less than 1 in 2000 people. Being so rare, they are still largely unknown even to the medical community. Therefore, the diagnosis is delayed and is made when the general state of health has worsened, generating complications that in many cases become irreversible.

This year 2020, global society faces different challenges in relation to lung health, such as air quality and pandemics such as Covid-19 (coronavirus).

Arran Strong's message our HappyAir ambassador inspires us:

"Let's keep our lives as healthy as possible and value breathing."

Arran Strong: our HappyAir Ambassador

Arran is a young professional athlete who was diagnosed with Alpha-1-Antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency, today better known as #Alpha-1, a genetic condition that is inherited from parents to children.

What is Alpha-1?

It is a condition that occurs when a protein, Alpha-1 Antitrypsin (AAT), is not present in the body or is present in very small amounts. It is easily diagnosed with a genetic test and an early diagnosis is key.

At Lovexair we insist on the importance of consulting a doctor and requesting a genetic test when a person has symptoms or a family history that indicates a possible disease: respiratory problems, mainly liver disease.

AAT has a protective function of the lungs against inflammatory processes, such as those produced by tobacco or irritable or polluting substances. Therefore, people who suffer from it can develop serious respiratory diseases.

The climate emergency and its effect on people with respiratory and rare diseases

Today, we are experiencing a global situation of climate emergency that affects people who live with respiratory and/or rare diseases in a much greater way, since their respiratory system is much more sensitive. It should be noted that it also has effects on children and the elderly, who are groups that are especially vulnerable in these situations.

According to data from the World Health Organization, 9 out of 10 people breathe air that contains high levels of pollutants. For this reason, from Lovexair this year 2020 we want to focus on the importance of breathing

#careofyourlungs

Given all these factors, we have a message on a day like today for all people with rare diseases: choose (if you can) a space with good air quality to live in, take care of your diet, maintain a healthy and active lifestyle best possible

Highlighted

• https://www.who.int
• https://www.alpha1.org/what-is-alpha1/
• https://enfermedades-raras.org/index.php/enfermedades-raras
• https://rarediseases.org/