Alpha-1 Antitrypsin deficiency is an inherited disorder that may cause lung or liver disease. Normally, the protein alpha-1 antitrysin, is released into the bloodstream and travels to the lung where it protects the lungs from the destructive actions of common illnesses and exposures, particularly tobacco smoke. People with a deficiency of this protective protein often suffer from progressive lung damage known as emphysema. Unlike the common form of emphysema seen in otherwise healthy individuals who have smoked for many years, this alpha antitrypsin deficiency form of emphysema may occur at an unusually young age and after minimal exposure to tobacco smoke.