Several lung diseases may be caused by protein-related problems. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, there are numerous types of lung problems that require the attention of a physician or other qualified health care professional. In some cases, your lung problem may be caused by abnormalities or defects in certain proteins that protect the health of your lung tissue. Lung problems associated with protein abnormalities can range from mild to severe.
COPD
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, or COPD, is a lung disease that may be caused by a deficiency in the protein alpha-1 antitrypsin, or AAT. According to MedlinePlus, AAT deficiency is an inherited disorder that can cause COPD-like symptoms in middle-aged adults. Your liver produces AAT and releases it into your bloodstream. Due to a gene problem, some people have little or no AAT, which can lead to lung destruction. Common signs and symptoms associated with COPD include shortness of breath during physical exertion, wheezing, chest tightness, a chronic cough, throat clearing and frequent respiratory infections. Because AAT genes are inherited, you may not realize you have an AAT protein deficiency until you develop a lung disease. If you have COPD or asthma, you should consider getting tested for AAT deficiency.
Cystic Fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis is a lung disease that may be caused by a protein abnormality. The Genetics Home Reference states a specific gene provides instructions for the production of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator, or CFTR, protein. The CFTR protein serves as a channel in the membranes of your cells that generate mucus, sweat, saliva, tears and digestive enzymes. Cystic fibrosis, a terminal condition, is caused by mutations in your CFTR gene and abnormalities in your CFTR protein. Defects in your CFTR protein change the production, structure or the stability of the chloride channel in your cells, causing your chloride channels to function improperly. Cells that line the passageways of your lungs therefore produce mucus that is unusually thick and sticky, which obstructs your airways and glands.
Pulmonary Fibrosis
Pulmonary fibrosis is a lung disease that may be caused, at least in part, by a defective protein called surfactant protein C, or SFTPC. SFTPC, when functioning normally, keeps your lung tissue stable and helps control fluid pressure in your lungs. SFTPC abnormalities are associated with scarring of your lung tissue. According to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, pulmonary fibrosis is a condition in which your lung tissue become thick and stiff or scarred over time. As your lung tissue becomes thicker, your lungs lose their ability to move oxygen into your blood, which decreases the amount of oxygen your brain and other organs receive. Common signs and symptoms associated with pulmonary fibrosis include shortness of breath, a dry, hacking cough that does not get better over time, rapid and shallow breathing, unintended weight loss, fatigue, malaise, aching muscles and joints and rounding of your fingertips and the ends of your toes.
