Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency
Alpha-1 Antitrypsin deficiency is an inherited disorder that may cause lung or liver
disease. Normally, the protein alpha-1 antitrysin, is released into the bloodstream and
travels to the lung where it protects the lungs from the destructive actions of common
illnesses and exposures, particularly tobacco smoke. People with a deficiency of this
protective protein often suffer from progressive lung damage known as emphysema. Unlike
the common form of emphysema seen in otherwise healthy individuals who have smoked for
many years, this alpha antitrypsin deficiency form of emphysema may occur at an unusually
young age |
