How common is alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (Alpha-1)?

How common is alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (Alpha-1)?

Alpha-1 is not common. Alpha-1 occurs in about one of every 3,500 people in the U.S. However, the condition is not well-recognized and is under-diagnosed. People with alpha-1 often experience long delays between their first symptom and initial diagnosis, so asking specifically whether lung or liver symptoms could be due to alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency may prompt earlier diagnosis.