Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency
Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency
Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (alpha-1) is a genetic disease, meaning it's passed down from your parents. It can cause serious lung disease that makes it hard to breathe. It can also cause liver disease that leads to jaundice, which makes your skin look yellowish.
There's no cure for alpha-1, but treatments can help you manage your liver and breathing problems.
You get the disease because your liver doesn't make enough of a protein called alpha-1, which protects your lungs from getting inflamed by infections or something irritating that you breathe in.
You might not have any symptoms until you're in your 20s or 30s, but when they start, you could feel short of breath or wheeze when you breathe -- just like someone who has asthma.
For some people, alpha-1 can turn into chronic pulmonary obstructive disease (COPD). When you have COPD, you often have symptoms of emphysema, a serious condition that makes it hard for you to push air out of your lungs. COPD can make you cough up mucus, make you wheeze or have trouble breathing, and make your chest feel tight.
You also might have long-term bronchitis, an irritation of your airways that makes you cough a lot and have trouble breathing.
You'll probably need to take medicine through an inhaler that you carry around, like the type that people with asthma use. It's something you'll need to do throughout your life.
If your symptoms turn into emphysema, you might need regular medicine that you get through an IV. You'll likely get this treatment once a week.
It's natural to feel worried when you first get a diagnosis. Keep in mind that no two cases of alpha-1 are alike. Not everyone gets severe symptoms. With treatment, it's likely that you'll still be able to work, exercise, and enjoy many of your favorite hobbies.
You don't have to face things alone, either. Reach out to a circle of friends and family to get the support you need. You can also ask your doctor about support groups. It can be a huge help to talk to people who understand just what you're going through.
A Visual Guide to COPD
Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency
What Is Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency?
Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (alpha-1) is a genetic disease, meaning it's passed down from your parents. It can cause serious lung disease that makes it hard to breathe. It can also cause liver disease that leads to jaundice, which makes your skin look yellowish.
There's no cure for alpha-1, but treatments can help you manage your liver and breathing problems.
You get the disease because your liver doesn't make enough of a protein called alpha-1, which protects your lungs from getting inflamed by infections or something irritating that you breathe in.
You might not have any symptoms until you're in your 20s or 30s, but when they start, you could feel short of breath or wheeze when you breathe -- just like someone who has asthma.
For some people, alpha-1 can turn into chronic pulmonary obstructive disease (COPD). When you have COPD, you often have symptoms of emphysema, a serious condition that makes it hard for you to push air out of your lungs. COPD can make you cough up mucus, make you wheeze or have trouble breathing, and make your chest feel tight.
You also might have long-term bronchitis, an irritation of your airways that makes you cough a lot and have trouble breathing.
You'll probably need to take medicine through an inhaler that you carry around, like the type that people with asthma use. It's something you'll need to do throughout your life.
If your symptoms turn into emphysema, you might need regular medicine that you get through an IV. You'll likely get this treatment once a week.
It's natural to feel worried when you first get a diagnosis. Keep in mind that no two cases of alpha-1 are alike. Not everyone gets severe symptoms. With treatment, it's likely that you'll still be able to work, exercise, and enjoy many of your favorite hobbies.
You don't have to face things alone, either. Reach out to a circle of friends and family to get the support you need. You can also ask your doctor about support groups. It can be a huge help to talk to people who understand just what you're going through.
A Visual Guide to COPD