Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency - Medtick

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

Please copy and paste any key words from the title: Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency in the following respective 'Medtick References and/or Sources' to find out more about the disease (this also may include diagnosis tests and generic medical treatments).

  • NHS

    Find information and advice on health conditions, symptoms, healthy living, medicines and how to get help (British National Health Service).

  • Medscape

    Latest medical news and expert commentary in your specialty as well as disease information.

  • Pharmaceutical Journal

    The Pharmaceutical Journal covers analysis, features, opinion, learning and careers articles, providing insight and knowledge about drugs, pharmacy practice, medicines use and healthcare policy in the context of the pharmacy profession and pharmaceutical science.

  • Healthline

    Medical Information and health advice you can trust

  • ChatGPT

    Get instant answers, find creative inspiration, and learn something new.

  • Medical News Today

    Medical news and health news headlines posted throughout the day, every day.

  • WebMD

    Better Information. Better Health.

  • Cleveland Clinic

    Pushing the Standards of care.

  • Mayo Clinic

    No.1 Hospital in the Nation (America)

  • Drugs.com

    Know more. Be sure.

  • National Organisation of Rare Diseases

    NORD is dedicated to supporting education, elevating care, advancing research, and driving policy for rare diseases.

  • Verywell Health

    Know more. Fell better.

  • Fit for Travel

    Information on how to stay safe and healthy abroad.

  • DR Axe

    Health and fitness news. Recipes, Natural Remedies