What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency?

You may have alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency if you have signs and symptoms of serious lung disease without any obvious cause. Another sign of AAT deficiency is if you develop emphysema at age 45 years or younger.

Signs and symptoms of emphysema include:

• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing (a whistling or squeaky sound when you breathe)
• Decreased ability to do physical activity

At first, many people who have AAT deficiency are diagnosed with asthma. This is because wheezing is also a symptom of asthma. Also, people who have AAT deficiency respond well to asthma medicines.