Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency - Medtick
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Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency

What is it?

A genetic condition caused by a lack of the protective protein, Alpha-1-antitrypsin (AAT), in the blood.

  • Alpha-1-antitrypsin (AAT)  is mainly produced by the liver.
  • Alpha-1-antitrypsin helps to destroy the enzymes (neutrophil elastase), this enzyme  digest damaged, ageing cells and bacteria, but it can also damage the healthy tissues of the lung as well thus Alpha-1-antitrypsin helps to protect the lungs from inflammation caused by infection and inhaled irritants such as tobacco smoke
  • It can cause serious lung disease (emphysema) if one lacks this protein.

Cause

  • An inherited condition where a person with with Alpha-1 condition have received two abnormal alpha-1 antitrypsin genes. One of these abnormal genes came from their mother and one from their father causing them to produce less of the alpha 1 protein.

Symptoms

Lung condition:

  • Shortness of breath/ breathing difficulties?
  • Wheezing?
  • Chronic bronchitis (cough and sputum (phlegm) production that lasts for a longer than three weeks?
  • Emphysema symptoms?
  • Bronchiectasis symptoms?
  • Recurring chest colds?
  • Less exercise tolerance?
  • Swelling of the abdomen or legs?
  • Year-round allergies?

Liver disease:

Complications /Information to beware of/General tips:

This condition can be mistaken for and show similar symptoms to:

Please talk to your healthcare professional (i.e. Medical Doctor/Pharmacist) for further advice

Detailed Information

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