Causes of Emphysema
Reviewed: Dr. Gromatzky
1. Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency
In some cases, emphysema is caused by the deficiency of a protein known as alpha-1-antitrypsin. This protein helps to protect the structures in the lungs, mainly by preventing white blood cells from damaging the tissues. This means that the cells are more likely to become damaged, and this can lead to emphysema. The damage caused by alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency is likely to be worse than the damage from other causes, making emphysema likely.
Thankfully, it is a rare condition, with only around 1 in 100,000 people having it in the United States. People with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency are also more likely to develop liver problems.
