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If you already know you have AAT deficiency, you probably also have a related lung or liver disease. Ongoing medical care and lifestyle changes can help you manage your health. Your doctor may also talk to you about making healthy lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, avoiding secondhand smoke and other lung irritants, and getting annual flu and pneumonia vaccines.

AAT deficiency usually is diagnosed after you develop a lung or liver disease that is related to the condition. But knowing the symptoms and getting an early diagnosis is important to help prevent serious disease, especially with treatment and lifestyle changes.

The first lung-related symptoms of AAT deficiency may include shortness of breath, less ability to be physically active, and wheezing. Some people may not have any symptoms or complications. AAT deficiency can lead to lung and liver diseases.

Alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency happens when you do not make enough AAT protein. The AAT protein is made in your liver. This protein enters your blood and protects your organs, including the lungs, from damage. For example, your immune system is your body’s defense against bacteria and viruses but if it is overactive, it can damage your body while fighting diseases. The AAT protein prevents you from having too much inflammation in your lungs. Without enough AAT protein, your immune system may damage your lungs and lead to lung disease.

Overview of the digestive system—how food moves through each part of the GI tract to help break down food for energy, growth, and cell repair.

A harmful algal bloom (HAB) occurs when toxin-producing algae grow excessively in a body of water. Algae are microscopic organisms that live in aquatic environments and use photosynthesis to produce energy from sunlight, just like plants. The excessive algal growth, or algal bloom, becomes visible to the naked eye and can be green, blue-green, red, or brown, depending on the type of algae.

A fact sheet about research on the association of oral contraceptive use (birth control pills) with risk of various cancers.

Liver (hepatocellular) cancer prevention strategies include avoiding risk factors and vaccinating against hepatitis B. Risk factors include hepatitis B and C infection, cirrhosis, and aflatoxin. Get detailed information about risk factors and preventing liver cancer in this clinician summary.

Adult primary liver cancer treatment options include surveillance, surgery, liver transplant, ablation, embolization, targeted therapy, and radiation. Get comprehensive information about liver cancer and treatment options in this clinician summary.

Liver (hepatocellular) cancer screening, even in high risk individuals, has not been shown to be beneficial. Get detailed information about liver cancer screening, potential screening modalities, and research directions in this summary for clinicians.