Fifteen percent of people are affected by asthma; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) (COPD) is on the rise; and 95 percent of people affected with a genetic condition called alpha-1-antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency may not even know they have it. These conditions are treatable and can be detected with a few simple tests. Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center is pleased to partner with the Pennsylvania Allergy and Asthma Association and the American Lung Association of Pennsylvania to offer a free screening program that can detect these lung diseases. The event is open to the public, and most appropriate for those suffering from breathing disorders.
From 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 14, specialists from the allergy, asthma and immunology clinic at Penn State Hershey Medical Center will offer blood tests, physician assessments and breathing tests in suite 700, University Physician Center, Hershey. The brief, 15-minute screening offers participants an opportunity to check for these pulmonary diseases and learn about the signs, symptoms and risks that they may not be aware of.
"In many cases of Alpha-1-antitrypsin Deficiency, it takes years of doctor visits for an accurate diagnosis," said Timothy Craig, professor of medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care, Penn State Hershey Medical Center. "We are pleased to offer this screening program to the community and hopeful that our efforts will aid in the awareness of lung diseases."
The event is free. Appropriate candidates include those with COPD, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, asthma, unexplained liver disease or those with a family history of AAT deficiency or one of the aforementioned diseases. Other candidates include those with exercise intolerance, chronic cough or wheezing.
Pre-registration is required. Walk-in candidates will be accepted, based on availability. To register, call the 24-hour CareLine at (800) 243-1455.