Can COPD Be Genetic? What You Need to Know About Alpha-1
This article was written by Jonnie Korinko, MSRC, RRT, RRT-ACCS.
For some people, COPD isn't just from smoke or fumes in the environment; it's passed down in their family. If you have COPD, there might be more information you need to know.
What is Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency?
Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (alpha-1) is also called genetic COPD. Alpha-1 is a condition that is passed down in families. It can cause damage to the lungs and/or liver and happens when the liver makes abnormal alpha-1 protein.
These proteins help protect the lungs from irritation and swelling. Without enough of this protein, the lungs are more likely to be damaged by harmful materials. This can lead to lung problems like emphysema or bronchiectasis, even in people who have never smoked.
Why It's Important to Know Your Alpha-1 Status
When someone has Alpha-1, additional treatments may be available for them and their families.
- Your provider may recommend treatment for Alpha-1.
- When your lungs are more at risk for COPD, it is important to avoid smoke and other irritating fumes in the environment.
- Family members can take a test to learn their risk as well. Getting diagnosed early can lead to quicker treatment for them.
Who Should Get Tested?
Everyone with COPD should get tested for Alpha-1 at least once. You should also consider testing if:
- You have non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis or poorly controlled asthma.
- You have liver disease with no known cause.
- You have several family members who have had COPD or liver disease.
If you have been diagnosed with COPD and have not yet been tested for Alpha-1, consider ordering a test today and talking to your health care provider about your risk for genetic COPD.
How to Get Tested
Testing for Alpha-1 is simple, and there are several different options:
- Order your own free Alpha-1 screening kit at AlphaIDAtHome.*
- Ask your doctor to order a blood test.
- Contact the Alpha-1 Foundation for other free testing options.
Your health care provider may also want you to get pulmonary function tests. These tests can tell your health team how well your lungs are working.
Learn More About Alpha-1
To learn more about Alpha-1, visit the Genetic COPD web page.
Listen to people living with Alpha-1 share their experiences on The COPD Foundation Podcast and in our patient videos.
*All AlphaID™ At Home Saliva Collection Kits are provided by Grifols. The receipt of this free testing service does not create any expectation or obligation to purchase or use any product or service offered by any manufacturer.
This blog post has been sponsored by Grifols.
Resources
- American Thoracic Society; European Respiratory Society. American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society statement: standards for the diagnosis and management of individuals with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2003;168(7):818-900. doi:10.1164/rccm.168.7.818
- Meseeha M, Sankari A, Attia M. Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; August 17, 2024.
- Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. October 25, 2023. Accessed October 7, 2025. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/alpha-1-antitrypsin-deficiency.