Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency is a hereditary condition characterized by low levels of alpha-1 antitrypsin, a protein found in the blood. This helps prevent attacks on tissues in the body, particularly in the lungs and the live, which leaves patients with an alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency may be more predisposed to certain illnesses, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cirrhosis of the liver.

Lung damage may be caused by elastase, a substance that occurs naturally in the body to kill bacteria in the lungs. Those with an alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency do not make enough of the alpha-1 proteinase inhibitor, which prevents elastase from working when it is no longer needed. 

An alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency is not curable, but it can be managed and the symptoms controlled with medication. Commonly prescribed medication used to treat the condition include drugs to replace the deficient protein, such as  Prolastin-C, Glassia, and Aralast-Np.