Who Is At Risk for Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency?

Populations Affected

In the United States, White people of western and northern European descent are more likely than other ethnic groups to have alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency caused by the PiZ genes. Many altered genes can cause AAT deficiency, but PiZ is the most common.

Major Risk Factors for Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency

AAT deficiency is an inherited condition. If you have close relatives with known AAT deficiency, you're more likely than others to have this inherited condition. Even so, it doesn't mean that you will have one of the diseases related to the condition.

Some risk factors make it more likely that you will develop lung disease if you have AAT deficiency. Smoking is the leading risk factor for serious lung disease if you have AAT deficiency. Your risk also may go up if you're exposed to dust, fumes, or other toxic substances.