Glossary

Here are some of the words you need to know when you speak with your doctor about
Alpha-1.

Alpha-1 Antitrypsin (an-tie-TRIP-sin):

A protein made in the liver. It helps protect the lungs from inflammation.

Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency:

An inherited disease in which patients lack Alpha-1 antitrypsin in the lungs. Can cause severe lung and liver disease.

Augmentation (aug-men-TAY-shun) Therapy:

Used to treat Alpha-1 by replacing the missing Alpha-1 antitrypsin in the body.

Bronchiectasis (bron-key-ECK-tass-is):

A lung disease; causes problems clearing congestion from the lungs and shortness of breath. It may indicate Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.

Bronchitis/Chronic Bronchitis:

One of two main forms of COPD. Causes long-term swelling of the airways of the lungs.

Bronchodilators (bron-ko-DIE-lay-tors):

Treatment for asthma by helping increase airflow. One of the treatments used for Alpha-1.

Cirrhosis (sir-ROW-sis):

Scarring of the liver. Causes include viral infections (hepatitis B or C), alcohol abuse, and Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.

COPD:

A lung disorder that makes it difficult for patients to breathe. Its main symptom is shortness of breath. If you have COPD, exercise or physical activity is challenging. Stands for "Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease".

Corticosteroids:

A treatment used to moderate persistent asthma. Helps stop airway inflammation.

Emphysema (em-fi-ZEE-mah):

One of two main forms of COPD. Destroys the air sacs in the lungs. Causes include smoking, environmental exposure, and/or Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.

Inherited Disease:

A disease that you can have at birth, and that your parents may have.

Necrotizing Panniculitis (neck-row-TIE-zing pan-nick-cue-LIGHT-tis):

A symptom of Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. Causes raised red spots on the skin.

NE or Neutrophil Elastase (NOO-truh-fil ee-las-TAZE):

An important protease enzyme that can cause emphysema and breakdown of the lungs if not controlled by alpha-1 antitrypsin.