If your body produces an excessive amount of phlegm consistently, you might have a rare genetic condition called Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (Alpha-1).
What is Alpha-1? Learn more about Alpha-1 and if you should be tested.
In most people, the alpha-1 protein neutralizes an enzyme in the lung, called neutrophil elastase, that destroys invading germs and digests damaged or aging cells after a short time. In Alphas, there isn’t enough alpha-1 protein in the lungs; the enzyme then keeps working, attacking and destroying normal lung tissue. As this damage continues over the years, lung diseases such as COPD can develop.
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.
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.
The most common Alpha-1 symptoms related to the lungs include:
- Shortness of breath, particularly with exertion
- Wheezing
- Chronic cough and sputum (phlegm) production (chronic bronchitis)
- Recurring chest colds or pneumonia
- Extreme tiredness (fatigue)
- Year-round allergies
- Low tolerance for exercise
Learn more about Alpha-1 Lung Disease symptoms.
