Is Joe Tate lying about having AAT in Emmerdale? As he eyes Caleb to be his donor, something doesn’t add up
Joe’s story has changed.
In Tuesday’s episode of Emmerdale, Joe Tate shared with Manpreet that he suffers from a condition known as AAT. But is he telling the truth?
Joe has been hiding a mystery illness since he arrived back in the Dales over Christmas. It was revealed earlier this week that he has chronic kidney disease and is in desperate need of a donor.
Now, Joe is claiming to have Alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency, but things aren’t adding up.
Joe reveals diagnosis
During Monday’s episode of Emmerdale, Joe’s dodgy doctor, Dr Crowley, was angry at Joe for skipping a dialysis session after his recent trip to Dubai.
He commented: “This is what happens when you fly back from Dubai, against my advice.
“Joseph, you have chronic kidney disease. You’re paying me to keep you alive. The least you can do is meet me half-way.”
However, in Tuesday’s episode of Emmerdale, Joe shared a different diagnosis.
Joe managed to get close to Dr Manpreet Sharma after pretending to be her knight in shining armour by paying off her blackmailer. The blackmailer was in fact himself.
Manpreet encouraged Joe to open up about his troubles as she wanted to help him like he had helped her. Joe shared: “My grandad Frank, he had a genetic condition that he kind of kept to himself. I was having some health issues so I did some family research and it turns out he had something called AAT.”
Manpreet immediately knew the condition and explained: “Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. Causes lung and liver damage and all sorts of heart issues.”
He explained that it’s a tricky thing to deal with, but he is living with it.
Joe targets Caleb in Emmerdale, but is he lying about AAT?
As Joe explained to Manpreet that any of Frank Tate’s living blood relatives could have AAT, such as Caleb, his plan became clear.
Joe said he didn’t know how to broach it with Caleb to get tested as the two of them don’t see eye-to-eye. When Manpreet offered to talk to Caleb on Joe’s behalf, Joe said no as Caleb will see it as a weakness and use it against him.
Joe then suggested that one way Manpreet could help is if she could get a blood sample from Caleb, which Joe would then send off privately to get tested.
Manpreet said that getting a blood sample by deception would get her struck off, so Joe suggested she could invite him for a health check and get blood that way. All the while he pretended that it was Caleb’s health he was concerned about.
Away from Manpreet, Joe spoke to his doctor on the phone, where he said: “Thank you about the AAT stuff as well. That really came in handy.”
This implies he has been using the genetic disorder as an excuse for Manpreet to be willing to acquire a blood sample from Caleb Miligan. AAT does not usually require a kidney transplant, which is what Joe desperately needs.
Joe previously targeted his half-brother Noah for a potential transplant, but this was unsuccessful. Will Joe’s uncle Caleb be a match?
Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AAT or AATD) is a genetic disorder that can lead to lung and liver problems due to the body not producing enough AAT protein. AATD is a genetic inherited condition, meaning AATD is passed from parents to their children. Only around 1 in 3000 people in the UK have it. Having low levels of alpha-1-antitrypsin in the body increases the risk of lung diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and in some cases, bronchiectasis. Having AATD and breathing in cigarette smoke or other fumes can also increase your risk of lung disease. AATD can sometimes cause liver problems, skin rashes, and immune problems too. However, people with the condition can lead a normal life, especially if they don’t smoke. Alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency is caused by one or more genes not working properly. You get the alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) gene from each parent. If you have one damaged copy of the gene, you should be able to produce enough AAT to live a healthy life. However, if you have two damaged copies of the AAT gene, you may not be able to produce enough AAT, meaning the lungs can get easily damaged. Not everyone who suffers with Alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency will experience symptoms. However some people will suffer from shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, tiredness and regular chest infections. There is no current cure for AATD. Treatment focuses on slowing the progression of lung disease or treating the lung condition specifically. Those suffering with AATD are encouraged to drink less alcohol and eat well. If you are diagnosed with the condition and you smoke, the most important thing you can do to stop lung damage is to stop smoking. For more information you can visit Asthma and Lung UK.How common is Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency?
What causes AAT?
Symptoms and treatment
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm, with an early release on ITVX at 7am.
Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm.
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