💜Why Raising Awareness of Alpha-1 Matters

Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (often called Alpha-1 or AATD) is a genetic condition that can cause serious lung and liver disease in both adults and children.

It’s estimated that 1 in 2,500 people in the UK are affected — but most don’t even know they have it.

Because Alpha-1 is underdiagnosed and often misunderstood, many people live for years with symptoms that are mistaken for asthma, COPD, or other lung conditions.

Early diagnosis can make a life-changing difference — helping patients get the right treatment, avoid unnecessary harm, and plan for the future.

That’s why raising awareness is so important.

Every conversation, every post, and every step in our #WalkforA1UK campaign helps bring Alpha-1 out of the shadows and closer to recognition, research, and better care.