What exactly is Alpha-1?
Hello, I read the article on Alpha-1. What is it exactly? I have never even heard of it outside of this community. Any information would be helpful since I’m completely in the dark about it. Thanks!
Gale1852 - Alpha 1 Antitrypsin Deficiency or just Alpha 1 is a genetic condition that can result in lung damage leading to COPD. Alpha 1 is a protein produced by the liver.
People with Alpha 1 have two abnormal genes that can cause the lung disease. When a person has only one abnormal gene and the other is normal, they are a carrier and may pass the abnormal gene onto their children.
Regards,
Lyn (site moderator)
Hi Gale and thanks for your inquiry. I see that Lyn has provided you with an excellent response, which I'm sure will help in your effort to learn more about genetic COPD.
I'm not certain which article you read concerning COPD and genetics. We have an excellent article on our website and I thought I'd provide you with the link to it here: https://copd.net/basics/causes-risk-factors/genetics/. I hope you find it to be helpful.
All the best,
Leon (site moderator)A genetic condition where your liver does not make a protein that protects your lungs. I doubt that is my problem because I had a DNA test for a popular Genealogy site that also gives health reports and I was negative for the two most common markers. My mom smoked while she was pregnant with me and both parents were heavy smokers until I was about 7 years old. I am guessing that exposure did not help me. I just want to do what I can to stop or slow the progression of this.
