Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency is a genetic disease (passed from parent to child) that can cause serious lung and liver diseases. This occurs when the liver doesn’t make enough alpha-1 protein, which protects the lungs from infection and inflammation. Symptoms, like shortness of breath, typically begin in the 20s or 30s.



 

 ## Departments and Programs Who Treat This Condition

  department###  [Cardiovascular Center](/departments/cardiovascular-center) 

 A department providing cardiology care for heart and vascular conditions, including coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, valve disorders, and vascular disease, wit… 

 

 

  department###  [Gastroenterology](/departments/gastroenterology) 

 A department providing GI medicine care, including diagnosis and treatment for digestive conditions such as reflux, IBD, and liver and pancreatic disease, and support to manage sy… 

 

 

  department###  [Pulmonology](/departments/pulmonology) 

 A department providing respiratory and lung medicine, including diagnosis and treatment for asthma, allergies, COPD, and other breathing conditions, with ongoing care to support l… 

 

 

  department###  [Alpha-1 Center](/departments/pulmonology/alpha-1-center) 

 A program within the Department of Pulmonology providing diagnosis and treatment for alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, a genetic condition affecting the lungs and liver, including s…