What is normal alpha1?

But a typical normal result will be between 75 and 150 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), depending on how the results were done. If your levels are too low, it may be a sign that you have 1 damaged gene, which means you are a carrier, or 2 damaged genes, which means you have AAT deficiency.

Is Alpha-1 the same as COPD?

Alpha-1 is often first diagnosed as asthma or smoking-related Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). COPD includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Alpha-1 is the most common genetic risk factor for COPD. About 3 percent of all people diagnosed with COPD may have undetected Alpha-1.

Is Alpha-1 Serious?

Alpha-1 may result in serious lung disease in adults and/or liver disease at any age. For each trait a person inherits, there are usually two genes; one gene comes from each parent. People with Alpha-1 have received two abnormal alpha-1 antitrypsin genes.

What causes barrel chest emphysema?

Some people who have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) — such as emphysema — develop a slight barrel chest in the later stages of the disease. It occurs because the lungs are chronically overinflated with air, so the rib cage stays partially expanded all the time.

Where do you feel pain from the liver?

Most people feel it as a dull, throbbing sensation in the upper right abdomen. Liver pain can also feel like a stabbing sensation that takes your breath away. Sometimes this pain is accompanied by swelling, and occasionally people feel radiating liver pain in their back or in their right shoulder blade.

How do you get rid of a barrel chest?

Barrel chest that occurs due to OA is harder to control, but people use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce the size of swollen tissue. People with CF will use physical therapy techniques on the chest and back that help to loosen mucus on the lungs alongside many of the above medications.

What is Alpha One Foundation?

The Alpha-1 Foundation (A1F) is a non-profit voluntary organization dedicated to providing the leadership and resources that will result in increased research, improved health, worldwide detection, and a cure for alpha-1.

What is alpha 1 testing?

Alpha-1 antitrypsin blood test. Alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) is a laboratory test to measure the amount of AAT in your blood.

What is lung disease alpha 1?

Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency is a genetic disease , which means it’s passed down to you from your parents. It can cause serious lung or liver disease. You may also hear it called AAT deficiency. Symptoms often include trouble breathing and jaundiced, or yellow, skin.