World Allergy Day 2026

World Allergy Day is celebrated on July 4th to educate society about how our immune system reacts to harmless substances.

• Respiratory symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, congestion, or sneezing.
• Skin signs, such as hives, redness, or swelling.
• Eye problems, such as itching or conjunctivitis.
• Abdominal discomfort, such as abdominal pain or nausea.

ALLERGY SYMPTOMS

ALLERGENS

In some ways, the symptoms depend largely on the specific allergy you have.

• For example, respiratory symptoms are associated with allergies to pollen, dust, pet dander, or mold.
• However, the effects on the digestive system are more closely linked to food allergies.
• Although these can also manifest on the skin, each person’s experience may vary.

On World Allergy Day, the importance of people being able to recognize these symptoms in order to control them is also highlighted.

Respiratory allergy

Respiratory allergies arise as a result of an abnormal immune response to contact with certain environmental substances that are harmless to most people, causing inflammation of the eyes, nose, throat, or bronchi.

As a reaction, the immune system produces antibodies that release chemicals, such as histamine, which trigger allergic symptoms.

What is respiratory allergy?

Respiratory allergies are a very common chronic disease that can worsen over time, but there is treatment that relieves symptoms.

• This abnormal functioning of the immune system can have a genetic cause.
• Exposure to irritants and environmental pollutants can also be triggers.
• Having a family history of allergies is a risk factor.

It is also one of the main triggers of asthma; in fact, 80% of asthma cases have an allergic origin.

Respiratory allergy, which can manifest itself in the form of rhinitis, conjunctivitis or asthma, is the most common allergy.

What causes these allergic symptoms are dust mites, pollen from trees and plants, humidity fungi, and animal epithelium; although medications and foods can also cause these symptoms.

These allergens are present in the air we breathe and are responsible for the appearance of symptoms in the airways, whether in the form of symptoms in the nose, eyes or bronchi.

TYPES OF ALLERGENS

• The main culprits are seasonal allergens, those present at certain times of the year, such as tree and plant pollen.
• However, we also find perennial allergens, meaning those present year-round, such as dust mites, mold, and pet dander from animals like cats and dogs.

Depending on the affected area in the respiratory tract, this allergy can manifest itself in different ways, such as allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, or bronchial asthma.

Symptoms of Respiratory Allergy

Immunotherapy

treatment that helps modify the allergy

Immunotherapy, also known as allergy shots, is the only treatment capable of changing the course of respiratory allergies.

Its goal is to reduce the patient’s sensitivity to allergens, which improves symptoms and reduces the need for medication.

It also helps prevent allergic rhinitis from progressing to asthma.

It is an individualized treatment that should always be prescribed by an allergist.

Depending on the patient’s symptoms, a series of allergic tests, both skin and respiratory, will be performed and preventive treatment will be decided, with medications or immunotherapy, whichever is most appropriate in each case.

Respiratory allergies can develop complications such as asthma, sinusitis, sleep apnea, or ear or lung infections.

Respiratory allergies can have a significant impact on respiratory health and quality of life.

However, taking steps to prevent them can help minimize their adverse effects.

Here are some recommendations:

• Identify your triggers—animals, foods, plants, or environments that trigger a reaction in your body. Once identified, you can take steps to minimize your exposure to them.
• Maintain good hygiene, both personal and at home, and ventilate the spaces where you live.
• Using air purifiers with HEPA filters can help remove allergens from the air, while high-efficiency filters in heating and air conditioning systems can reduce allergen exposure.
• Avoid outdoor allergens. If you have pollen or mold allergies, try to avoid spending a lot of time outdoors during peak allergen seasons.
• Seek help from a specialist if you notice any abnormalities in your body. They can evaluate your symptoms, perform tests, and recommend appropriate treatment, such as allergy medications or immunotherapy.

On World Allergy Day, July 4, 2025, we send a clear message:

Listen to your body, don’t normalize the symptoms, and get tested if you have any suspicions.

Detecting an allergy early improves your well-being and allows you to act correctly in risky situations.

Sources: Hospital Sant Joan de Deu, Quiron salud

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World No Tobacco Day 2026

World No Tobacco Day is celebrated on May 31st, highlighting the importance of understanding the real risks of smoking in all its forms.

Among these, the prevention of tobacco and electronic vaping device use stands out, thereby promoting healthy habits.

Quitting smoking is very beneficial; in fact, the effects are almost immediate: physical and mental health improve significantly in the first few weeks.

PROFESSIONAL HELP IN HEALTH CENTERS

QUIT SMOKING

Healthcare professionals are very aware of the initial difficulty involved in making that decision, so primary care health centers have mechanisms in place to help people quit smoking.

On the other hand, they have multiple support mechanisms available in primary care centers.

The goal is to create a society informed about the risks; for this reason, professionals are increasingly involved in directing their efforts towards prevention and education.

The future is in our hands

Tobacco use causes more than seven million deaths worldwide each year and is one of the greatest preventable health risks, but the lack of concrete figures hinders the full impact of this message.

However, we can state unequivocally that tobacco control and prevention saves lives.

Increasingly strict policies

Each year, stricter policies seem to increase the likelihood that people will try to quit smoking; warnings, higher taxes, and smoking bans in public spaces are the most common measures.

But ultimately, success depends on individual factors.

Quitting smoking is a personal decision

While it’s not solely a matter of willpower, the social environment, living conditions, and the political framework of one’s country of origin also play a significant role.

If the person trying to quit smoking is surrounded by smokers, their chances of success are reduced, as is their level of nicotine dependence.

Nicotine dependence and the habits associated with smoking make quitting much more than just a matter of willpower.

Experts explain why withdrawal occurs, which treatments are most effective, and the strategies that increase the likelihood of quitting smoking for good.

Quit Smoking

The sooner you do it, the better for you.

It’s not just about quitting the habit, but about confronting a physical and psychological addiction that alters brain function and becomes ingrained in daily routines. For this reason, relapses are common, and few manage to maintain their success.

Proposals to facilitate detoxification

Motivation is key to starting a change: arguments such as “health care”, “saving” and “independence” from addiction are the most common.

Individual support for smokers, both from professionals and family members; as well as undertaking joint challenges with friends and family; spouses or partners, who are also smokers.

Expert recommendations

They point out that quitting smoking cold turkey isn’t always the most effective strategy.

Medical evidence shows that the chances of success increase when the process includes professional support and treatment to manage withdrawal.

Why is quitting smoking so difficult?

Smoking is not solely dependent on chemical addiction.

Smoking also becomes associated with specific times of day: drinking coffee, driving, spending time with friends, or dealing with stressful situations.

That’s why, even after overcoming physical withdrawal, certain triggers can reignite the urge to smoke.

This combination of dependence and learned habits explains why relapses are frequent.

What happens in the body when a person stops smoking?

The difficulty in quitting smoking begins in the brain.

Nicotine produces chemical changes that generate a momentary sensation of pleasure and relaxation; but over time, the body develops a dependence and needs to consume more to obtain the same effect.

When a person quits smoking, the body reacts to the absence of nicotine.

This reaction is known as withdrawal syndrome and usually appears a few hours after the last cigarette.

The symptoms reach their peak between the second and third day, although they tend to gradually decrease in the following weeks.

Among the most frequent complaints are:

• Intense craving to smoke
• Anxiety and irritability
• Difficulty sleeping
• Trouble concentrating
• Increased appetite

Among the myths surrounding quitting smoking is the belief that smoking relieves stress, when in reality it only temporarily reduces withdrawal symptoms caused by nicotine dependence.

What treatments help people quit smoking?

Experts recommend a comprehensive approach that combines medical support and behavioral changes.

Among the most commonly used alternatives are nicotine replacement therapies, such as patches, gum, or lozenges, as well as specific medications that help reduce anxiety and the urge to smoke.

Identifying the moments that trigger cravings, modifying routines, and creating new stress management strategies can make all the difference in the process.

Staying physically active, seeking family support, and avoiding environments associated with smoking also help reduce the risk of relapse.

The benefits of quitting smoking start quickly

The benefits of quitting smoking begin to be noticeable from the first few weeks.

• Improves breathing, increases energy
• Reduces the risk of cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases.

Tobacco use is linked to serious conditions such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), diabetes, heart attacks, and various types of cancer.

What increases the chances of success

There is no magic formula for quitting smoking, but there are factors that increase the chances of success:

1. Prepare yourself mentally.
2. Understand that abstinence is temporary.
3. And seek professional help.

More than a lack of willpower, quitting smoking involves breaking a dependency built up over years.

And while the process can be difficult, the health benefits are endless.

Resources: consalud

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Today, on International Nurses Day, we want to highlight the role these professionals play in the hospital setting, and especially in the field of pulmonology.

We are increasingly witnessing the growing complexity of respiratory diseases, from lung cancer to emerging infections like hantavirus.

The role of the advanced practice nurse has become crucial.

In addition to providing care, they are also responsible for ensuring continuity of care, as well as clinical anticipation and support.

Mission and vision of the role of nursing today

Challenges

Today we reflect on current challenges, focusing mainly on three fundamental pillars:

• Respiratory care.
• The importance of compassionate care.
• And the transformative role of advanced nursing.

Basically because we find ourselves in a health scenario where serious infectious diseases remind us of the need for increasingly specialized respiratory surveillance.

Transformation of the role of the nursing professional

Following the pandemic, a clear need emerged to strengthen care for respiratory diseases, which increased both in volume and complexity.

This is compounded by an aging population, with patients increasingly susceptible to developing illnesses, suffering from multiple chronic conditions, and facing complex social realities that necessitate a much more comprehensive and coordinated approach to healthcare.

Comprehensive Support

The role of advanced practice nursing is to accompany the patient throughout their entire care process and, in many cases, even beyond hospital discharge.

Furthermore, they act as a link between the patient, their family, and the multidisciplinary team, ensuring continuity of care, clinical anticipation, and a much more personalized and compassionate approach.

In addition, therapeutic education allows the patient to understand what is happening through clear language and simple examples that help them grasp the explanations being given.

And support is key because recovery is not just physical.

In addition, it also involves emotional support and contact with family.

Without a doubt, the nurse-patient relationship is so important that it is fundamental to patient satisfaction.

Furthermore, aspects such as pain management, early mobilization, respiratory optimization, and continuity of care after discharge make a huge difference in clinical outcomes and the patient’s overall experience.

Evolution of nursing in respiratory diseases

Nursing has evolved a great deal, although there is still a way to go.

This role has evolved to encompass the increasingly complex profile it addresses.

Previously, nursing was more closely linked to a traditional, primarily care-oriented function.

However, today, advanced practice involves clinical leadership, decision-making, care coordination, research, and the ability to transform care pathways.

It’s a blend of advanced clinical practice and a management profile.

Today, this role is no longer complementary: it’s fundamental to adding value to our care.

Challenges with the respiratory patient

• One of the major challenges today is the growing number of respiratory patients facing strained and overwhelmed healthcare systems.
• Increasingly, patients are being treated who are older, have multiple health conditions, and come from complex social backgrounds that significantly impact their progress and recovery.

The challenge is not only in the hospital, but especially in what happens after discharge.

The challenge lies not only in the hospital, but especially in what happens after discharge.

Often, patients are clinically stabilized, but enormous difficulties arise in ensuring adequate continuity of care, particularly for those with high dependency or social difficulties.

Limited resources

On the other hand, resources such as long-term care facilities and intermediate care structures are in high demand and clearly insufficient to serve the entire population.

Currently, as a society, we are still not fully confronting an obvious reality: we are living longer, but this also means living with more chronic illnesses, greater frailty, and increased care needs.

It will not always be possible to respond solely through acute hospitalization, nor can we assume that families will be able to bear the entire burden of care, especially in a social and labor context that is completely different from what it was decades ago.

This demands a profound rethinking of our care model.

Prevention is key

On the other hand, while progress has been made in prevention, especially regarding smoking, we are still often too late to intervene.

In fact, prevention cannot rely solely on one-off campaigns; it requires ongoing education, particularly for young people.

We are particularly concerned about the normalization of vaping, which is often perceived as a harmless alternative when it is not.

If we truly want to change future respiratory health, we need to invest much more in prevention, education, and public awareness.

Sources: Enfermería 21

La entrada Specialized Nursing se publicó primero en Centro Andaluz Alfa-1.

Rare diseases are those that affect a small number of people relative to the general population.

In fact, it is are defined as those that affect fewer than five people per 10,000 inhabitants.

In Spain, more than three million people live with a rare disease, many of them without a diagnosis or treatment.

Furthermore, this condition, although affecting very few people, has a high mortality rate.

They generally involve a very severe chronic course, with multiple motor, sensory, and cognitive impairments, often presenting a high level of clinical complexity that hinders their diagnosis and recognition.

World Rare Diseases Day

Today, on World Rare Disease Day, patients and experts are calling for equity and more research, as well as faster access to the most innovative therapies.

Living with a rare disease

Imagine experiencing the following situation:

It is not surprising that, for millions of people, living with a rare disease means facing uncertainty every day; sometimes for years; other times for decades, until the true diagnosis is known.

And, in the worst-case scenario, that diagnosis never comes.

The impact of rare diseases on public health

Diagnosis and treatment

Although each of these diseases is rare individually, together they have a significant impact on public health and require personalized care strategies.

The genetic, phenotypic, and environmental characteristics that define these conditions are not always well established across different populations, hindering the standardization of diagnoses and therapeutic approaches.

Furthermore, a lack of knowledge and awareness about these diseases contributes to delays in diagnosis, care, and prevention of complications, as well as limitations in the resources available to patients.

Diagnosis of a rare disease

To give you an idea, a patient with a rare disease waits an average of four years for a diagnosis.

This means that in approximately 20% of cases, it takes 10 years or more to receive a proper diagnosis.

National research

Spain is the only country in Europe that has not yet officially recognized the specialty of medical and clinical laboratory genetics within its healthcare system.

This means that, unlike other countries, there are no physicians specializing in genetics who can lead the diagnosis and management of these diseases within the public health system.

In fact, currently, the analysis and interpretation of genetic tests falls to professionals in other fields, which can lead to delays and errors in diagnosis.

It is no coincidence that only 20% of rare diseases are being researched.

Statistics

According to data from the National Institute of Statistics (INE), Spain’s investment in R&D barely reaches 1.5% of its GDP, well below the European average (2.47%) or countries like Sweden, which invest up to 3%.

Therefore, we believe it is necessary to “increase public funding and encourage private investment through incentives, such as declaring research into rare diseases an Event of Exceptional Public Interest (EPI), to promote new studies and the development of treatments.”

Other challenges

Alongside this research deficit, other worrying challenges exist.

Among them is early detection, since a lack of awareness about these conditions hinders diagnosis, even among healthcare professionals.

Many of these diseases are so rare that even doctors are unfamiliar with them, prolonging the uncertainty for patients and their families.

FEDER (Spanish Federation of Rare Diseases) emphasizes that expanding the number of rare diseases included in newborn screening tests would also be beneficial.

This does not diminish the importance of early detection, which allows for treatment to begin before the most serious symptoms appear.

The importance of early diagnosis

There is a certain lack of awareness surrounding rare diseases.

There has been little research and a lack of public support for issues related to rare diseases.

Most of these diseases are incurable, but as the rare disease and orphan drug information portal, Orphanet, explains:

“Appropriate treatment and medical care can improve the quality of life of those affected and extend their life expectancy.”

“Without research there is no cure”

In this regard, the progress made in some diseases has been enormous, hence the importance of continuing research to better understand rare diseases and advances in the field of health.

Faced with these challenges, it is essential to provide accurate and rapid diagnoses for these types of diseases, as well as to facilitate access to treatments to improve patients’ quality of life.

Global Commitment

All the inequalities mentioned in terms of access to healthcare for patients with rare diseases have highlighted the urgent need for an international commitment capable of improving the lives, well-being, and social impact of these conditions.

Sources: el mundo, novartis, Instituto Europeo sobre Enfermedades Raras

La entrada Rare Diseases se publicó primero en Centro Andaluz Alfa-1.

During Plasma Awareness Week, we introduce you to an exciting world where plasma plays a fundamental role in the field of health and medical research.

What is plasma?

It is a transparent and slightly yellowish liquid that represents 55% of the total blood volume.

Here, the blood cells are suspended:

• Platelets
• Red blood cells
• White blood cells

And it is made up of three basic principles:

• 90% water
• Mineral salts
• Proteins

Plasma proteins derived from plasma

Plasma contains a large number of proteins that ensure the proper functioning of our body, among which the following stand out:

• Immunoglobulins: defenses that protect us from infections.
• Clotting factors: along with platelets, they are responsible for stopping bleeding when we cut ourselves.
• Growth factors: crucial for cell repair and regeneration.
• Albumin: a protein that transports hormones and medications to the tissues.
• Alpha-1 antitrypsin: used in the treatment of alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, which can lead to lung and liver diseases.

The importance of plasma for Alpha 1 Antitrypsin deficiency

Plasma therapy for alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency involves the intravenous infusion of purified AAT from donor human plasma, which is the only known targeted treatment to prevent or slow the progression of emphysema.

This protein replacement helps protect the lungs from tissue destruction caused by other proteases, and its level in the blood can be monitored to ensure its effectiveness.

What is Alpha 1 Antitrypsin Deficiency?

DAAT is a hereditary genetic disease.

In its severe forms, it predisposes individuals to the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and emphysema, as well as liver disease.

Diagnosis is established by determining the serum concentration of AAT, followed by phenotyping and genotyping, although the latter is more commonly used due to its lower cost and easier access.

What should be taken into account?

This disease is the most common cause of severe pulmonary emphysema and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adults, as well as the most common cause of liver disease in children.

It is more common than other rare lung diseases such as cystic fibrosis and pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Symptoms of Alpha 1 Antitrypsin Deficiency

They vary depending on the severity and type of genetic mutation of the disorder, and external factors also play a role.

Alpha 1 dementia affects approximately 3.4 million people worldwide.

It is estimated that up to 90% of people with severe alpha 1 dementia remain undiagnosed, despite the existence of simple screening tests that can quickly detect the disease.

Plasma donation for health

Plasma donation, or plasmapheresis, involves drawing blood, separating the blood cells using a cell separator, retaining the plasma, and returning the remaining blood to the donor through the same line.

The donation process takes about 45 minutes, and because plasma is primarily water, the donor recovers very quickly and can donate more frequently. Plasma can be donated every 15 days.

Of the 5 liters of blood that an average 70-kilogram person has, about 3 liters are plasma.

Who can donate plasma?

To donate plasma, you must meet the same requirements as for blood donation.

You must be between 18 and 70 years old, weigh more than 50 kilos (110 pounds), be in good health, and, in the case of women, not be pregnant.

Also, if you have donated blood, you must wait one month before your next donation.

All blood types are valid, although blood type AB is the universal plasma donor, compatible with all recipients.

The importance of plasma in health and medicine

The importance of plasma in health and medicine

In the medical field, it is essential for transfusions in major surgeries, trauma, and conditions involving blood loss.

In addition, it is used in the treatment of autoimmune diseases, providing antibodies and immune proteins.

To address coagulation disorders, such as hemophilia, plasma provides necessary clotting factors, and in the context of infections, such as COVID-19, convalescent plasma therapy is used, taking advantage of the antibodies present in the plasma of recovered individuals.

What is blood plasma used for?

Functions of plasma in the blood

Medical properties of blood plasma

• Clotting capacity: Crucial in the prevention and treatment of bleeding.
• Nutrient and waste transport: Acts as a transport medium for essential nutrients, gases, and waste products, facilitating exchange between tissues and organs.
• Immunoglobulins and antibodies: Their role is vital in the immune response, useful in the treatment of autoimmune diseases and convalescent plasma therapy.
• Regulation of blood volume and pressure: Albumin in plasma helps maintain osmotic pressure and blood volume, crucial for homeostasis and cardiovascular function.
• Compatibility for transfusions: Allows for compatible blood transfusions, as cellular components (red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets) can be separated from the plasma, facilitating the administration of specific components according to the patient’s needs.
• Supports immune function: Plasma is rich in antibodies (immunoglobulins), crucial for the immune system to fight infections and neutralize pathogens. That is why plasma-derived proteins are valuable in patients with immune deficiencies.

Spread the message

We are calling on blood donors, regarding the need to donate plasma, as both are urgently needed in our country to continue saving lives.

Source: Centro Andaluz Alfa 1, Grifols, Centromedicoabc

La entrada Plasma for health se publicó primero en Centro Andaluz Alfa-1.

February 28, 2025

The last day of February is celebrated as World Rare Disease Day.
The day on which it is celebrated was chosen because it is a month different from the others, due to its exceptional nature.

It was proclaimed by EURORDIS (European Organisation for Rare Diseases) in 2008, with the aim of improving access to treatment, as well as medical research.
Since then, this day is celebrated every year, on the last day of February, with a new and original motto.

This year the motto is “people”, which tries to put people at the centre of the message and highlight the impact that living with a rare disease has, which is unknown to most.
Therefore, it is intended to emphasise that behind every campaign, every need, every disease, every symptom… behind all of this there are people and families.

History of Rare Diseases

Its history dates back to the 1980s, when rare diseases have gradually become a priority in health programs and in public opinion.
They are defined as those with a prevalence of less than 1:2,000 individuals.

In general, they are chronic, debilitating diseases with more than 80% of genetic origin.

Rare diseases in numbers

It is estimated that around 80% of rare diseases are of genetic origin and less frequently are the result of infectious, immunological, degenerative or proliferative diseases.
Furthermore, a very small number of them, no more than 400, have treatment available.

Why are they rare diseases?

Not only is there less medical knowledge because of their low individual prevalence, but from a medical management perspective, rare diseases are characterized by the large number and diversity of conditions and symptoms.
Not only do they vary from condition to condition, but they can also vary within the same condition.

Diagnosis

Diagnoses are usually late, in general terms, rare diseases are underdiagnosed due to their low prevalence, so there is less knowledge and little specificity.
This is associated with an increase in cost, and we know that it further harms the quality of life of patients and their families, since they must consult several specialist opinions before reaching an accurate diagnosis.
Because many of them are genetic, tests are carried out on a preventive basis, since many rare diseases appear at early ages.
Genetic analysis in patients who may apparently suffer from a rare disease requires precision.

In general, the vast majority of times it is based on a molecular study, either of the specific gene associated with the disease in question, or of panels that include the different genes that may eventually be responsible for a certain phenotype and that allow the underlying molecular alteration to be accurately identified.

As mentioned, the symptoms or pathologies can be very heterogeneous.
As a result, the intervention of several medical specialists and subspecialties is required.
If it is suspected that they may be related to multiple genes and mutations responsible for the condition, as well as polymorphisms that regulate their expression, this great complexity can be explained.

Genetic counseling

Genetic counselling is the provision of information from specialists to patients and family members who have a genetic disease or are at risk of having one.
In this way, people can decide on their reproductive alternatives.

Networking

The importance of networking in research

There are numerous research centres around the world, and most of us are interconnected, as we have a common goal: finding solutions adapted to specific problems.
Otherwise, people with a rare disease would be harmed in two ways:
Presenting a severe and possibly chronic disease.
On the other hand, being underdiagnosed and having difficulty accessing treatments.

We are in contact with all the Alfa 1 Centres of Excellence located in Spain, such as:

• Sevilla Alpha 1 Centre
• Galego Alpha 1 Centre
• Catalunya Alpha 1 Centre
• Spain Alpha Centre

In addition, we are part of some scientific-medical groups that are aligned with international research centers dedicated to the study specific diseases, including Alpha 1 Antitrypsin Deficiency.
In this case, we collaborate with some such as:

• SEPAR
• Grifols
• REDAAT
• Orphanet
• EARCO

Patient Associations

Last but not least, patient associations are the way for patients and their family members or caregivers to find the answer to many of their problems.
The low prevalence forces them to join forces and empower themselves to face the different challenges associated with living with one of these conditions.
In addition, patient associations are necessary, since in order to meet objectives, a coordinated effort is imperative to achieve significant changes and be considered by researchers and the medical community.
On the other hand, it is also key to be heard by those in charge of managing health policies.
Patient organizations intervene in different aspects:
From the financing of research to the regulatory aspects of the marketing of medicines, including the production of reliable educational and informational material; as well as the design of public policies and the implementation of projects.

Conclusions

In general terms, it is understood that regardless of the number of rare diseases that exist, patients and their families are governed by a common denominator:
The difficulties they face every day to lead a life in normal conditions.
So below we show the major challenges that arise in their daily lives:

1. Lack of accurate information about the disease, as well as places to find support and assistance.
2. Less rigorous scientific knowledge, and therefore, less investment in strategies to provide greater accessibility to therapies, treatments and specialists.
3. Underdiagnosis, due to lack of knowledge of the disease and the late appearance of symptoms.
4. Lack of health care, since these require multidisciplinary assistance, that is, psychologists, therapists, nutritionists… many of whom are excluded from the public health system.
5. Treatments and medications that are difficult to access, added to the additional expense for specific needs that arise when suffering from one of these diseases.
6. Social consequences due to stigmatization, whether at work, schooling, insurance, recreational or sentimental life.

Source: Elsevier

La entrada Rare Disease Day se publicó primero en Centro Andaluz Alfa-1.

The second edition of the master’s degree in Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency will begin next February. It consists of 60 credits and will last until July 2025.

Coordination of AATD Master

This training is promoted by SEPAR (Spanish Society of Pulmonology and Thoracic Surgery) and will have the collaboration of Grifols.

In addition, this master’s degree is directed by the pulmonology specialist María Durán, from the Hospital de Vigo, Álvaro Cunqueiro, and will be taught by some of the most renowned specialists in DAAT research and treatment.

Program Bases

This program will be taught to 50 people online and aims to train professionals in the management of this hereditary condition.

These specialists include pulmonologists, internists, hepatologists, allergists, geriatricians and family doctors.

Fundamentally, the training is based on understanding this disease in order to make an early and accurate diagnosis that can stop its progression and, consequently, improve the quality of life of patients.

Objectives of the DAAT Master

The master’s degree has been organized in blocks, so that the most general concepts are explained, right through to the most specific ones.

The main objective of this specialized training is to train and update the knowledge of the specialists involved in the management of DAAT.

• In the exhaustive knowledge of the pathology.
• As well as the peculiarities according to its classification, diagnosis and best approach, based on the latest diagnostic and therapeutic innovation.
• Update knowledge on the epidemiological importance of DAAT, its determinants and its social impact.
• Know the pathogenetic bases of DAAT.
• Establish the current bases for the diagnosis of the disease in various clinical contexts.
• Know the tools for a correct diagnosis, as well as the consequences of an erroneous diagnosis.
• Learn to categorize patients correctly according to their clinical presentation.
• Know and implement non-pharmacological therapeutic measures with clinical and prognostic impact in COPD.
• Update pharmacological therapeutic options and the best way to combine them.
• Know the indication for augmentative treatment and its various guidelines and modalities.

Purpose of the AATD Master

What is AATD?

Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) is the most common rare inherited disease in adults that, in its severe forms, predisposes to the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema and various types of liver disease.

Why is it important for specialists to know about this condition?

Although severe AATD is responsible for 2% of all cases of pulmonary emphysema, there is currently a high level of underdiagnosis due to the low index of clinical suspicion. From a clinical point of view, AATD has two peaks of involvement.

• On the one hand, in the pediatric age group, when liver involvement is more frequent.
• On the other hand, in adulthood, severe forms can produce a particularly serious type of emphysema, of the panlobular type, with significant repercussions on respiratory physiology with known clinical manifestations.

Early diagnosis

The role of the clinician who cares for patients with related symptoms is key to being able to identify cases early, allowing therapeutic interventions that can change the progression of the disease and avoid its consequences.

With these premises, the need arises to develop this training program for the Master of Continuing Education in DAAT, which aims to cover the need to update the knowledge of professionals involved in the health care of patients with this disease.

Coordinators

Finally, we would like to mention the experts who will collaborate in this training.

Leading pulmonology specialists in Spain:

• I. Blanco Blanco (Langreo)
• J. M. Hernández Pérez (Tenerife)
• L. Diab Cáceres (Madrid)
• M. Romero Gómez (Sevilla)
• M. Calle Rubio (Madrid)
• F. Dasí Fernández (Valencia)
• F. Casas Maldonado (Granada)
• J. Signes-Costa Miñana (Valencia)
• J. L. López-Campos Bodineau (Sevilla)
• D. Gómez de Antonio (Madrid)
• Z. Mariño Méndez (Barcelona)
• M. Torres Durán (Vigo)
• F. J. Michel de la Rosa (Donosti)
• M. C. Montero Martínez (Coruña)

Source: SEPAR

La entrada Master AATD se publicó primero en Centro Andaluz Alfa-1.

Health and other forms of smoking

The fight against smoking continues. The industry is reinventing itself and creating new products that, despite their harmless appearance, are as harmful or even more so than conventional cigarettes.

Other forms of smoking

Francisco Casas, a pulmonologist at the San Cecilio Clinic, warns of this new epidemic of young faces and is very concerned about the general lack of knowledge surrounding vapers, hookahs and electronic cigarettes.

The number of young people who smoke has dropped by a third since the beginning of this century, and yet we cannot be happy. Why?

Because, although the prevalence of conventional tobacco consumption has been reduced, the consumption of other emerging forms of smoking has been increasing and now exceeds that of conventional tobacco among adolescents.

19.2% of young people between 14 and 18 years old smoke or consume some tobacco derivative. But vapers are the preferred choice for one in five.

Followed by hookahs, which are used by 14.3%, while 13.1% opt for conventional cigarettes.

It was thought that electronic cigarettes or vapers could be a less harmful substitute than tobacco, but this is not the case.

E-cigarettes are not harmless for active or passive smokers.

E-cigarette and vape smoke contain the same harmful constituents as conventional cigarettes: volatile organic compounds, hydrocarbons, heavy metals and may contain nicotine.

And they don’t help you quit smoking either?

They do not help you quit smoking or consume less cigarettes. In addition, these devices are the gateway to nicotine addiction.

What happens to our lungs when we vape?

In adolescents, lung development is slowed down, which usually forms in girls until the age of 18 and in boys until the age of 22.

In addition, it causes irritation and inflammation of the respiratory mucosa: chronic bronchitis, asthma, bronchiolitis and interstitial lung diseases.

Moreover, it destroys the alveoli and produces cellular mutations with the development of lung cancer.

Is it necessary to have a very strong habit to cause damage to the body?

As with conventional tobacco consumption, the number of cigarettes smoked daily and the number of years of consumption are factors involved in greater damage to the body.

However, there are factors linked to each individual that can make them more susceptible, such as genetic factors for lung cancer or asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

They also have a very strong social component. A clear example is hookahs, which have become widespread in nightlife… Are they safe?

Not at all, they are even more harmful than conventional tobacco.

Is it true that a hookah session is equivalent to inhaling 200 times the smoke of a cigarette?

A single puff is almost equal to the volume of smoke inhaled by an entire cigarette.

The volume of smoke inhaled during a typical hookah session is approximately 90 liters, which is equivalent to 200 puffs, compared to the 0.5 liters inhaled when smoking a cigarette.

And yet there is more social permissiveness. Why?

Much of the blame for this permissiveness lies with society’s ignorance, and in particular, that of parents and educators. Sometimes we are carried away by the tobacco industry’s messages about its safety and supposedly lower addictive capacity.

After 30 years of prevention campaigns or restrictive laws, tobacco consumption has been reduced.

How many years do you think it will take now to minimize the impact of these new harmful habits?

I couldn’t tell you how many, certainly many, more than ten years and everything will depend on the messages that are transmitted to the general population and to young people in particular through the media and social networks.

It will also depend on the measures taken by public administrations to equate the consumption of these products with conventional tobacco, establishing the same prohibitions on their consumption by minors and for smoke-free spaces.

The active fight against the tobacco industry and its false messages is another of the battles.

Finally, tell a young person reading this what benefits they might notice when they quit smoking.

The first and most immediate thing you will notice is the decrease or disappearance of your cough; you will have a greater ability to practice sports and your oral health will improve.

In addition, tobacco accelerates cellular aging, specifically of the skin, and promotes hair loss, which will improve. Getting rid of nicotine addiction is another great advantage of quitting.

Source: Centro Andaluz Alfa 1, Ideal Granada

La entrada Other forms of smoking se publicó primero en Centro Andaluz Alfa-1.

On the occasion of the celebration of liver cancer day and to give it greater visibility, as well as raise awareness among the population about the knowledge of this disease in relation to others, we bring you this news.

Relationship between the liver and AATD

AATD is the most common hereditary disease in Spain and in its most severe forms, it can cause damage to the lungs and liver.

Not all people with AAT deficiency suffer from liver problems, since in many cases it is mild and the patient does not even know they have it.

Alpha-1 Antitrypsin is a protein produced in the liver and its main function is to protect the lung from degradation and inflammation caused by infections or external agents.

When DAAT exists, this protein remains stagnant in the liver, which produces two consequences: it damages this organ and, by not passing into the bloodstream, it does not reach the lungs and leaves them unprotected.

The most common disease is cirrhosis, where severe scarring occurs in the liver; this can appear even in children and newborns due to ATT deficiency.

Diseases related to DAAT and life cycle

The development of hepatocellular carcinoma has been described in 2-3% of elderly ZZ individuals, or Wegener’s disease in 2-3%, and neutrophilic panniculitis.

This corresponds to 1 in 100 Pi*ZZ in the UK registry and 1 in 1,000 in the American registry.

Probability of incidence

Severe alpha 1-antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency is a complex monogenic disorder, with great variability in its clinical presentation, percentage of affected individuals and age of onset of diseases such as COPD.

Consequences of alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency in the liver

Hepatic disease in ZZ homozygous individuals is of variable severity and is due to the formation of protein polymers, which cannot be excreted by the hepatocyte and accumulate inside it (90% in the Z mutation).

Up to 70% of ZZ newborns may present abnormal liver function tests, but only 10% develop prolonged neonatal colostasis and 2.5% of them develop childhood liver cirrhosis.

Consequences of alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency in the liver

In adults, the risk of liver cirrhosis depends on sex and age, being more pronounced in ZZ men over 50 years of age (20-40%) who, in addition, have a higher risk of hepatocellular carcinoma, both in cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic livers. cirrhotics, and is independent of their history of hepatitis B (HBV) or C (HCV) virus infection.

Liver cirrhosis

Liver diseases linked to Alpha-11 Antitrypsin Deficiency are:

1. Chronic hepatitis
2. Cirrhosis
3. Liver carcinoma.

It is not yet known why some individuals with Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency develop liver damage and others do not.

Liver lesions are related to the retention and polymerization of AAT in the liver in those affected with the PiZ allele; Furthermore, it usually occurs in childhood.

It is diagnosed when there is liver dysfunction that cannot be attributed to any other cause.

INCIDENCE IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS

Frequency

The good news is that in most cases these alterations are stable during childhood and adolescence, without becoming serious. 

Only in certain cases can progressive liver damage occur that requires transplantation in children.

It is estimated that between 10-15% of children with the two defective ZZ genes develop clinical liver disease before the age of 20 years. 

Liver disease can also occur in adults and become severe in middle age.

Symptoms of Alpha 1 Antitrypsin Deficiency

Adult subjects with severe AATD usually present respiratory symptoms, but with early onset, starting at age 35 in smokers and after age 45 in non-smokers.

1. The most common symptom is dyspnea on exertion, which appears in 70-90% of patients.
2. Other common symptoms are cough (42%) and chronic expectoration (46%), related to the presence of bronchiectasis (23% of ZZ individuals).
3. Wheezing can be persistent or appear during exacerbations in up to 70-80% of cases.
4. Regarding the physical examination, there is no data that is specific to DAAT.

Recomendaciones

To finish, we only advise you on some simple guidelines such as quitting smoking, exercising daily, following a balanced diet, avoiding processed foods; and finally carry out periodic monitoring by medical experts.

Sources: Centro Andaluz Alfa 1, Alfa 1 España

La entrada Liver and AATD se publicó primero en Centro Andaluz Alfa-1.

For plasma donation awareness week, we have compiled some information that we think you might find interesting.

History

In 1994, a team of surgeons applied autologous plasma to the spongy tissue of a mandibular bone.
Autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a possible treatment for wound healing because it has components such as fibrin and high concentrations of growth factors (PRGF) that help in healing and bone regeneration.

Two years later, scientists Mark and Cols concluded that PRP increased the concentration of platelets (cells responsible for healing wounds) in the tissues, and regenerated the cells due to its enormous reserves of bioactive proteins.

As a result, the bone was able to consolidate much more quickly than with other treatments.

What is?

It is a liquid component of the blood that contains valuable information about the entire organism.

We could say that it is a biological treasure that transports essential elements, including blood cells, nutrients and, especially, proteins, which it distributes to all organs.

This unique vital liquid can potentially be the basis for the treatment of many diseases and, therefore, be key to improving people’s quality of life.

There are five types of cells in the blood:

1. Red blood cells
2. White blood cells
3. Platelets
4. Organic compounds
5. Electrolytes

What is plasma made of?

Plasma is a yellowish, almost transparent component of blood.

• Represents 55% of the total volume of blood.
• Water makes up 90% of the volume of plasma.
• Proteins represent 9% of the total plasma and are responsible for ensuring the proper functioning of our body.
• 1% are nutrients and gases.

Plasma proteins

The proteins found in plasma perform an important function in our system, and we mainly find:

1. Albumin: transports hormones and drugs and takes them to the tissues.
2. Coagulation factors: responsible, together with platelets, for stopping bleeding when we get a wound.
3. Immunoglobulins: serve to defend us from infections.

What is plasma used for?

In most cases, it is used to treat people who have suffered severe burns, or those who need a transfusion due to a serious accident or illness.

In general, it is a great discovery that saves the lives of thousands of people every day, and it is especially used for people with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD), immunoglobulin deficiency, autoimmune diseases and other rare diseases.

To treat these people, plasma is basically transfused from healthy people to patients to improve the immune response or the blood clotting capacity. To treat a patient with AATD for one year, between 130 and 1,200 donations are required.

DONATE PLASMA, SAVE LIVES

How much plasma does a person have?

Normally, a person weighing 70 kilos has about 3 liters of plasma.

Donation

Donation consists of extracting blood, separating the blood cells using a cell separator, retaining the plasma and returning the rest to the donor by the same means.

It is frozen at -40º until it is transfused to patients or manufactured as drugs.

How long does it take? About 45 minutes.

How often can you donate?

As it is mostly water, the donor’s recovery is very fast and donations can be more frequent.

You can donate every 15 days.

Although if you have given blood before, you must always wait a month for your next donation.

To donate plasma, the same requirements must be met as to be a blood donor:

1. Be between 18 and 70 years old
2. Weigh more than 50 kilos
3. Be in good health.
4. If you are a woman, you must not be pregnant.

What type of blood is most suitable?

All blood types are valid, although group AB is the universal plasma donor, compatible with all recipients.

We need everyone’s collaboration, it doesn’t cost anything, but you will get a huge reward for helping so many people improve their quality of life.

Source: Centro Andaluz Alfa 1

La entrada Plasma se publicó primero en Centro Andaluz Alfa-1.