Is Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency An Inherited Disorder?

Posted on Wed, 30 Mar 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 30 Mar 2016 Answered on

Thu, 2 Jun 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : Hopefully so, hello my name is XXXX i am 42 i smoke and have always had breathing problems and heart anxiety related issues. My dad had alphaa1 antitrysen deficiency, he suffered terribly. But he has been at peace now tho for 12 yrs.. apparently us kids were checked for this diseaese as children., but, i would like to know if that can change later in life plz

Answered by Dr. Shubham Mehta (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Once negative, will not turn positive in future.

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Welcome to HCM.
I can understand your concerns.

Alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency is a genetic condition. But it is not inherited dominantly.

If you have been found negative for the disorder as a kid, it will not change in future as well.

Smoking is dangerous for those who have alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency. But it itself does not cause alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency.

Hope this answers your query satisfactorily.

Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar