Alpha-1, also known as Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency, is a disorder passed on by a person's parents, which results in low levels or no levels of a protein in the blood. This protein is called alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT).If you have Alpha-1 you may get a severe lung and/or liver disease or pass the flawed AAT gene on to your children. In people lacking the AAT protein, the AAT made in the liver cannot be fully released into the blood.
Important Facts About Alpha-1?:
Is a disorder of the genes that leads to low or no levels of AAT
May cause lung disease in adults
May cause liver damage that gets worse over time in adults, children and infants
Often goes undetected for years
Can be treated, but cannot be cured
Is easy to find through a blood test
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at 1-800-LUNGUSA to speak to someone directly or submit
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