What is Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency?

When there isn’t enough AAT produced and released into the bloodstream, patients are also at increased risk for lung disease. In addition, if the protein produced is abnormal, the abnormal protein is not released from the liver and it accumulates, which leads to liver damage, cirrhosis, and increases risk for liver cancer.

What Are the Symptoms of AAT Deficiency?

Often symptoms of AAT deficiency are related to lung dysfunction and may not appear until an individual is in their 20s or 30s. Sometimes this is discovered through evaluation for abnormal liver enzymes. Symptoms can include:

• Shortness of breath and/or wheezing
• Chronic cough with excess mucus production
• Low energy and tiredness
• Chest pain or tightness
• Symptoms of liver disease

Expert Diagnosis and Treatment for AAT Deficiency

A blood test is the only way to diagnose AAT deficiency. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above without any obvious cause, your doctor may order a blood test to look at AAT levels in your blood. If blood tests confirm you have low levels of the AAT protein, there is no cure but the condition can be treated with medications to help you breathe easier and feel better. A consultation with a UH lung specialist (pulmonologist) may be recommended.

Although most people with AAT deficiency don't have serious problems with their liver function, but if there is significant liver disease, you will need to be evaluated by a liver specialist.