How Can Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency Be Prevented?

You can't prevent alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency, because the condition is inherited (passed from parents to children). If you inherit two altered AAT genes, you will have AAT deficiency. Even so, you may never have one of the diseases related to the condition.

You can take steps to prevent or delay the lung diseases linked to this condition.

• Quit smoking. If you're not a smoker, don't start.
• Avoid secondhand smoke and places with dust, fumes, or other toxic substances that you may inhale.
• Check your living and working spaces for things that may irritate your lungs. Examples include flower and tree pollen, ash, allergens, air pollution, wood burning stoves, paint fumes, and fumes from cleaning products and other household items.

If you have a lung disease related to AAT deficiency, you may want to discuss with your doctor the possibility of getting augmentation therapy. This is a treatment in which you receive infusions of AAT protein. This therapy raises the level of the AAT protein in your blood and lungs. (For more information, see "How Is Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency Treated?")