Enzyme Deficiency Disorder

Effects of enzyme deficiency on the lungs

This disease is due to an inherited defect of an enzyme that protects the lungs from harmful substances during inflammatory reactions. People affected by this disease cannot produce enough of this enzyme or do not produce it correctly. As a result, the lungs of these patients are weakened and they have a higher risk of developing emphysema. 

  • 1 in 1,500 - 3,500

    incidence of severe Alpha-1 in people of European origin

  • 20 - 40 yrs. old

    typical occurance of first signs and symptoms

  • 19 million

    estimated carriers of abnormal Alpha-1 genes in the United States