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 comes with terminology that may be unfamiliar or difficult to understand. The A1F Glossary of Terms provides cle...
09/29/2026

Alpha-1 comes with terminology that may be unfamiliar or difficult to understand. The A1F Glossary of Terms provides clear definitions for commonly used words and phrases related to Alpha-1, helping patients, families, and caregivers better understand the information they encounter throughout their journey. Explore the glossary and expand your Alpha-1 knowledge:

Our comprehensive glossary of Alpha-1 terms is a vital resource for patients and families. Understand your condition better. Explore it today.

Connect, learn, and spend the day with the Alpha-1 community at the Kansas City A1F Education Day on November 7th! Hear ...
09/28/2026

Connect, learn, and spend the day with the Alpha-1 community at the Kansas City A1F Education Day on November 7th! Hear from experts on important topics related to Alpha-1, gain practical information to support your health, and meet others who understand the Alpha-1 journey. Learn more and register today: https://alpha1.org/event/kansas-city-mo-a1f-education-day/

On World Lung Day, we’re highlighting the importance of protecting lung health and raising awareness of conditions that ...
09/25/2026

On World Lung Day, we’re highlighting the importance of protecting lung health and raising awareness of conditions that can affect how we breathe. For the Alpha-1 community, early detection, informed care, and continued research are essential to supporting those affected by Alpha-1-related lung conditions and advancing progress toward better treatments and a cure. Learn more about Alpha-1 lung health: https://alpha1.org/lung-disease/

Research participation can help shape the future of Alpha-1. The Alpha-1 Research Registry connects individuals with res...
09/23/2026

Research participation can help shape the future of Alpha-1. The Alpha-1 Research Registry connects individuals with researchers conducting important studies, helping advance our understanding of Alpha-1 and the search for better treatments and a cure. With more than 500 participants connected to clinical trial opportunities, the Alpha-1 Research Registry is helping turn participation into progress. Learn more and enroll today: https://alpha1.org/join-the-alpha-1-research-registry/

Looking for a new way to make a difference?   welcomes cyclists of all experience levels, whether you're riding from you...
09/22/2026

Looking for a new way to make a difference? welcomes cyclists of all experience levels, whether you're riding from your hometown or joining one of our in-person events. Lisa Kosak will be taking on the A1F Gulf Coast Bike Trek in Florida, and you can be part of the movement, too. Every mile you ride raises awareness and supports the Alpha-1 community. Register today: https://secure.alpha1.org/a1fridingforareason2026

There is still time to submit your Letters of Intent (LOIs) for the 2026 – 2027 In-Cycle A1F Grants Award Program to sup...
09/21/2026

There is still time to submit your Letters of Intent (LOIs) for the 2026 – 2027 In-Cycle A1F Grants Award Program to support innovative research that advances our understanding of Alpha-1 and moves us closer to a cure! Funding is available across multiple grant categories for investigators committed to improving the lives of those affected by Alpha-1. LOIs are due this Friday, September 25, 2026. To learn more and apply, visit: https://alpha1.org/grant-opportunities/

The Alpha Mainers A1F Support Group gathered for a picnic last week, bringing together 17 attendees for good food, meani...
09/19/2026

The Alpha Mainers A1F Support Group gathered for a picnic last week, bringing together 17 attendees for good food, meaningful conversation, and time to connect. The group welcomed two new members and one industry representative, making this their largest gathering since 2019. It was a wonderful opportunity to reconnect, build new relationships, and enjoy time together as part of the Alpha-1 community. To find your local A1F Support Group, visit: https://alpha1.org/find-a-support-group/

Everyone has a reason to ride. For Jessica Brown and her family, it's honoring her son, Thomas Jr., and supporting a bri...
09/18/2026

Everyone has a reason to ride. For Jessica Brown and her family, it's honoring her son, Thomas Jr., and supporting a brighter future for the next generation of children and families affected by Alpha-1. They'll be riding together at the A1F Gulf Coast Bike Trek, turning their personal connection into hope and action. Whether you ride in honor of someone you love or because you believe in A1F's mission, 2026 is your chance to make every mile count. Register today: https://secure.alpha1.org/a1fridingforareason2026

There’s still time to apply for an A1F Educational Scholarship! A1F Educational Scholarships support Alphas and their im...
09/17/2026

There’s still time to apply for an A1F Educational Scholarship! A1F Educational Scholarships support Alphas and their immediate family members as they pursue higher education, return to school, or take the next step toward their academic and career goals. Applications are due September 30, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to apply. Learn more and submit your application: https://alpha1.org/alpha-1-educational-scholarships/

Did you know your donation to A1F could go even further through workplace giving? Many employers offer programs that mak...
09/16/2026

Did you know your donation to A1F could go even further through workplace giving? Many employers offer programs that make it easy to increase the impact of your support, including corporate matching gifts that may double or even triple your donation. You may also be able to support A1F through payroll deductions using United Way. Check with your employer or HR department to see what workplace giving opportunities are available to you. For more information, contact Linda Rodriguez at [email protected] or visit: https://alpha1.org/workplace-giving/

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