Antitrypsin
Antitrypsin Causes
Apart from being a genetic defect, the disease can also be aggravated by cigarette smoking, since the airways and other respiratory organs need alpha 1-antitrypsin as their protection against the effects of nicotine.
Antitrypsin Definition
Alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency is a genetic defect caused by an abnormal production of alpha-1 antitrypsin, a protein that thrives in the liver cells. The lack of this protein may cause severe disorders in the different organs and weakness of the immune system.
Antitrypsin Diagnosis
Diagnosis can be done by genetic testing.
Antitrypsin Symptoms and Signs
People with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency suffer from shortness of breath, rales and ronchi. They are also more prone to emphysema and liver disease.
Antitrypsin Treatment
Treatment of the disorder is done by intravenous infusions of alpha-1 antitrypsin that came from donated plasma. However, this treatment is not recommended to persons suffering from liver disease. Liver transplant may be needed for severe cases.