Alpha-1 Foundation

Alpha-1 Foundation Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency is a genetic condition that may result in lung and/or liver disease. How exactly does it cause lung and/or liver disease?

Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (Alpha-1) is a condition that is passed from parents to their children through their genes. This condition may result in serious lung and/or liver disease at various ages in life. Alpha-1 occurs when there is a lack of a protein in the blood called alpha-1 antitrypsin (or alpha-1) that is produced by the liver. Its function is to protect the lungs from inflammation (

caused by infection or inhaled irritants). When alpha-1 protein is not released from the liver at the normal rate, it leads to a build up of abnormal alpha-1 protein in the liver, which can cause liver disease and a decrease of alpha-1 in the blood that can lead to lung disease. The most common signs and symptoms of disease caused by Alpha-1 are:

* Shortness of breath
* Wheezing
* Chronic cough & sputum (phlegm) production also
known as chronic bronchitis.
* Recurring chest colds
* Eyes and skin turning yellow (jaundice)
* Swelling of the abdomen (ascites) or legs
* Vomiting blood (from enlarged veins in the esophagus
or stomach)
* Decreased exercise tolerance
* Non-responsive asthma or year-round allergies
* Unexplained liver problems or elevated liver enzymes
* Bronchiectasis

Alpha-1 has been identified in virtually all populations and ethnic groups. It is estimated that about 1 in every 2,500 Americans have Alpha-1. There are about 100,000 people with Alpha-1 in the United States. Alpha-1 can’t be diagnosed by symptoms or by a medical examination; you need to get a blood test to know for sure. For more information on getting tested go to: http://www.alphaone.org/alphas/?c=02-Get-Tested

Alpha-1 can't be diagnosed by symptoms or a medical exam alone; you need a blood test to know for sure. If you suspect y...
08/18/2026

Alpha-1 can't be diagnosed by symptoms or a medical exam alone; you need a blood test to know for sure. If you suspect you or a family member may have Alpha-1, discuss with a doctor whether testing is appropriate. To learn more about testing options, please visit: https://alpha1.org/testing-diagnosis/

Investing in researchers today helps create tomorrow's breakthroughs. Through the A1F Grants Award Program, the John W. ...
08/17/2026

Investing in researchers today helps create tomorrow's breakthroughs. Through the A1F Grants Award Program, the John W. Walsh Career Development Grant supports early-career physician-scientists dedicated to advancing Alpha-1 research and building the future of biomedical discovery. Letters of Intent are due September 25, 2026. Learn more about this and other grant opportunities: https://alpha1.org/grant-opportunities/

This Make-A-Will Month, we're making it easy to plan for the future. Through FreeWill, you can create a legally valid wi...
08/16/2026

This Make-A-Will Month, we're making it easy to plan for the future. Through FreeWill, you can create a legally valid will online in about 20 minutes at no cost, giving you peace of mind while protecting the people you love. By including A1F in your estate plans, you can help advance research and clinical trials that bring us closer to a cure while creating a lasting legacy for future generations. You'll also become a member of the Alpha-1 Legacy Society. Start your free will today: https://ow.ly/VtRl50ZtnTB

Understanding your Alpha-1 genotype is an important part of understanding your health. Whether you've recently received ...
08/15/2026

Understanding your Alpha-1 genotype is an important part of understanding your health. Whether you've recently received your test results or want to learn more about Alpha-1 alleles, A1F's resources explain what your genotype may mean for you and your family. Explore the information and learn more:

Discover the genetic factors leading to Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency and how they affect liver and lung health.

Take in the beautiful Gulf Coast while making a difference at the A1F Gulf Coast Bike Trek on October 17, 2026, in Duned...
08/14/2026

Take in the beautiful Gulf Coast while making a difference at the A1F Gulf Coast Bike Trek on October 17, 2026, in Dunedin, Florida. Whether you choose the 62-mile coastal loop, the 40-mile challenge, or the 10-mile family-friendly route, every mile helps raise awareness and critical funds for Alpha-1. Not riding? Volunteers are an important part of the event, too. Register today: https://secure.alpha1.org/a1fridingforareason2026

Today, Kristen Mehan begins the 29029 Everesting Challenge, climbing an incredible 29,029 vertical feet over two days in...
08/13/2026

Today, Kristen Mehan begins the 29029 Everesting Challenge, climbing an incredible 29,029 vertical feet over two days in honor of her father and everyone affected by Alpha-1! Every step she takes is helping raise awareness and critical funds to support research and bring us closer to a cure. Follow her journey, cheer her on, and help make an impact by supporting her fundraiser: https://trellis.org/alpha-1-everesting-challenge-for-a-cure

There's still time to register for the Boise A1F Education Day on Sunday, August 30th! Don't miss this opportunity to he...
08/12/2026

There's still time to register for the Boise A1F Education Day on Sunday, August 30th! Don't miss this opportunity to hear from Alpha-1 experts, get your questions answered, and connect with others in the Alpha-1 community. Whether you're an Alpha, caregiver, or healthcare professional, you'll leave with valuable knowledge and meaningful connections. Register today: https://alpha1.org/event/boise-id-a1f-education-day/

Stay connected with the Alpha-1 community all year long. From A1F Education Days and support group meetings to webinars,...
08/11/2026

Stay connected with the Alpha-1 community all year long. From A1F Education Days and support group meetings to webinars, fundraisers, and other special events, the A1F Event Calendar is your go-to resource for upcoming opportunities to learn, connect, and get involved. Explore upcoming events: https://alpha1.org/calendar/

Tomorrow's breakthroughs begin with today's researchers. Through the A1F Grants Award Program, A1F is investing in the n...
08/10/2026

Tomorrow's breakthroughs begin with today's researchers. Through the A1F Grants Award Program, A1F is investing in the next generation of scientists by supporting innovative research and career development opportunities, including postdoctoral fellowships that help advance the understanding and treatment of Alpha-1. Letters of Intent are due September 25, 2026. Learn more about available grant opportunities: https://alpha1.org/grant-opportunities/

This summer, communities across the country are proving that even the sweetest ideas can make a difference. From neighbo...
08/09/2026

This summer, communities across the country are proving that even the sweetest ideas can make a difference. From neighborhood ice cream socials to local scoop shops, Ice Cream for Alpha-1 fundraisers are raising awareness, supporting research, and bringing hope to the Alpha-1 community. Read how these events are making an impact:

Behind every Ice Cream for Alpha-1 fundraiser there is a story of hope, resilience, and community. While each participant’s journey is unique, [...]Read More... from Ice Cream for Alpha-1 2026 Summer Fundraisers

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