What are the symptoms of Alpha-1?
Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (Alpha-1) can cause a variety of symptoms. Symptoms of Alpha-1 can begin early in life, but usually start in people between 20 and 50 years old.
Alpha-1 symptoms related to the lungs include:
- Shortness of breath, particularly with exertion
- Wheezing
- Chronic cough, often with sputum (phlegm)
- Frequent chest colds
- Extreme tiredness (fatigue)
Excessive Phlegm May Be a Sign of Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency
If your body consistently produces excessive phlegm, you may have Alpha-1.
Alpha-1 symptoms related to the liver include:
- Eyes and skin turning yellow (jaundice)
- Swelling of the legs or belly (ascites)
- Throwing up blood or passing blood in the stool
- Itchy skin
Some people with Alpha-1 develop painful, red bumps on the skin called panniculitis. These bumps may break open and leak fluid or pus.
Not all people with Alpha-1 have symptoms.
