What are the treatments for alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (Alpha-1)?

What are the treatments for alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (Alpha-1)?

Treatment for Alpha-1 depends on the type of disease it causes. Your treatment options might include:

• Augmentation therapy: Doctors increase your AAT levels with donated AAT. If you have emphysema due to Alpha-1, augmentation therapy may be considered and you may be recommended to receive weekly or monthly infusions (injections into a vein). This treatment may continue for the rest of your life.
• Lung transplant: A new, healthy lung from a lung transplant can relieve respiratory problems.
• Medication: Steroids and other drugs called bronchodilators can help make it easier for you to breathe by opening airways in the lungs.
• Oxygen therapy: Receiving extra oxygen through a mask or tube in the nostrils can help you breathe more comfortably.
• Pulmonary rehabilitation: Exercises and behavioral changes can relieve breathing problems to improve your daily functioning. Such therapy allows you to do more with the lung function that you have.