People with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency ...

Alpha-1 antitrypsin is an inherited disease that can cause lung disease and liver disease. People with alpha-1 antitrypsin usually develop early signs and symptoms of lung disease at the age of 20 to 50 years. The earliest symptoms of shortness of breath after mild activity, reduced ability to exercise, and wheezing. Other signs and symptoms may include unintentional weight loss, recurring respiratory infections, fatigue and heart palpitations when standing. Affected individuals often develop lasix 15 mg emphysema, which is a slight illness, caused by damage to the small air sacs in the lungs (alveoli). Features of emphysema include shortness of breath, cough, and barrel chest. Smoking and exposure to tobacco smoke accelerates the appearance of symptoms of emphysema and lung damage. About 10 percent of children with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency develop liver disease that often causes a yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice). Approximately 15 percent of affected adults develop liver damage (cirrhosis) in connection with the formation of scar tissue in the liver. Signs of cirrhosis include swollen abdomen, swollen feet or legs, and jaundice. People with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency and risk of type of liver cancer called hepatocellular carcinoma. In rare cases, people with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency develop skin condition called panikulit characterized by hardened skin with painful lumps or patches. Panikulit varies by severity and can occur at any age. .