What is alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency?
Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency is a rare metabolic disease. The liver makes in this disease is not enough alpha-1-antitrypsin. This protein is particularly important for the proper functioning of the liver and the lungs.
Some people with alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency hardly notice anything. Others are seriously ill. They have liver problems or lung problems. Very occasionally they get both.
- Lung problems are the most common. Emerging around the fortieth year or even later. It mainly involves emphysema. Smokers get all around their thirtieth emphysema.
- Liver problems arise immediately after birth. About half of these children will later cirrhosis. People with cirrhosis have an increased risk of liver cancer if they are over fifty.
People with lung problems get drugs. His lungs severely damaged then it helps only a lung transplant yet. For liver problems, there are no medicines. Severe disease of the liver is to be treated only with a transplant.
People with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency may be better not to smoke. They should also avoid smoky or dusty areas. For the liver drinking alcohol is bad.
Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency treatment
For alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency, there are several treatments.
Young children with severely diseased liver have a liver transplant. This is a very complicated and difficult operation. Rather ask the doctors this treatment as long as possible.
After a successful liver transplantation the child is cured of alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. A healthy liver makes proteins namely yourself. Other treatments for liver problems are not unfortunately.
People with lung problems due to alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency receive the same treatment as people with COPD. His lungs irreversibly damaged then a lung transplant necessary. However, this procedure is even more complicated than a liver transplant. Doctors do the surgery so as a last resort.
People with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency should not smoke. Nor can they better come in smoky or dusty areas. This is very bad for their lungs. For their liver, they should not drink alcohol.