Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (AAT Deficiency): Tests
Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, or , is a condition that raises your risk for certain types of lung disease, especially if you smoke.
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Diagnosis of AAT Deficiency
Alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency usually is diagnosed after you develop a lung or disease that’s related to the condition.
Your doctor may suspect if you have signs or symptoms of a serious lung condition, especially , without any obvious cause. He or she also may suspect AAT deficiency if you develop emphysema when you’re 45 years old or younger.
Specialists Involved
Many doctors may be involved in the diagnosis of . These include primary care doctors, pulmonologists (lung specialists), and hepatologists ( specialists).
To diagnose , your doctor will:
Ask about possible risk factors. Risk factors include smoking and exposure to dust, fumes, and other toxic substances. Ask about your medical history. A common sign of is if you have a lung or disease without any obvious causes or risk factors. Another sign…