Alpha-1 Facts

• Although hard data about the prevalence of Alpha-1 in Australia doesn’t yet exist, due to the absence of any comprehensive population or other study, it is estimated that about 1 in every 9 people carry a defective Alpha-1 gene, and that Alpha-1 affects 1 out of around 300 people. (Frederick J de Serres, PhD, 2002).

• Early respiratory-related symptoms of Alpha-1 are often misdiagnosed as asthma, with an accurate diagnosis often taking several doctors and several years.

Family history of lung disease or liver disease

Symptoms:

• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing or non-responsive asthma
• Coughing with or without sputum (phlegm) production
• Recurring respiratory infections
• Rapid deterioration of lung function
• Unexplained liver problems and /or elevated liver enzymes

For information on Alpha-1 testing in Australia, please see page 5 of the AAA’s information booklet.