Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency can affect people very differently. Some have severe complications while other have mild or no symptoms. This is, in part, because other factors such as lifestyle behaviors and environmental exposures affect the development of Alpha-1-related disease.

If you or a family member has Alpha-1, reducing your lifestyle and environmental risks can prevent or slow the development of disease.

Risk factors for developing lung disease include:

• Cigarette smoke, including secondhand smoke (especially for children)
• Infections that can lead to lung damage, such as bronchitis or pneumonia
• Lack of exercise and poor diet
• Environmental or workplace exposures:
  • Dust and allergens (coal, minerals, hay, pollen)
  • Gases and fumes (wood-burning stoves, kerosene heaters, chlorine, ammonia)
  • Chemicals (pesticides, agricultural products, some household cleaning products)

Risk factors for developing liver disease include:

• Alcohol consumption
• Infections that can lead to liver damage, such as Hepatitis A or B
• A family history of liver disease that is unrelated to Alpha-1

Alpha-1 Affects People Differently

Another variable aspect of Alpha-1 is that some people develop liver disease, while others develop lung disease. Current research shows that people with Alpha-1-related liver disease rarely also have lung disease, and vice versa.

It is estimated that as many as 60 percent of people with severe Alpha-1 do not develop airflow limitations. However, for those who do develop lung disease, signs and symptoms may begin to develop in the 20s or 30s, but can occur at any time. And as with many health conditions, Alpha-1 tends to worsen over time — so older people are at greater risk for serious complications.