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. |