I'm age 41 diagnosed aged 38. Non smoker.
Thou I've had Asthma since age 17. Along with spinal problems.
Hi Caroline
Yes im a non smoker , still waiting for a diagnosis x-ray with hyperinflated lungs the only positive test that mentioned copd.Its a bit of a long story
all the best
Craig
Thank you. And good luck. I just go for a spiro test yearly or so. Inhalers and pills but try to keep as active as possible. It helps a bit.
Hi Caroline
If it's any comfort to you, 25% of all kinds of COPD cases in the States are in folks who never smoked. At least that's what my pulmo says. I smoked for a long time but also have environmental causes and health causes, namely a terrible lung infection in the '80s.
Take care of yourself & keep up the exercise.
Thank you x
Hi you can also get copd from being in close proximity to smokers for years ie parents who smoked. If you work in certain industries ie the rag trade you can also get it.
I've never smoked. My lungs were severly damaged from a bone marrow transplant. Rejection is similar to cops. I also have BO. FEVis 20%. O2 24/7. Getting pre tests for lung transplant
That's awful. At least it's not just me. Most think it just linked to smoking.x
I have retired and was sick several time and when i went to the dr. they said that i had asthma. I had some other family members who wheezed and had asthma, but didn't know or think that i had asthma. I never smoked and tried to keep our home clean and free of possible breathing issues. After using the puffers that was recommended by the health care professionals much to my suprise, i found out they made my condition even worse. Now i am wondering what else i could do. I guess that a lot of people have breathing problems.
Hi Grace
I was also given an inhaler , which made my problems much worse.
Im still trying to get my problem diagnosed...had an x-ray which showed hyperinflated lungs and mentioned copd.I think its advanced since then to emphysema..
I think without the inhaler i would have been in much better health .
I hope you getsome answers and useful advice
All the best
Craig
Oh dear keep pushing them. They should refer you to a specialist.
Just FYI, COPD is an umbrella term and emphysema is under it's shade.
If you've not already done so, ask for an alpha1 antitrypsin test.
British Lung Foundation can offer you more advice, you can email them or phone their helpline. (search box top right - 'British Lung Foundation' will show page with link to their site.
If you do not reside in UK contact the Lung Foundation or Association in the country you are currently living.
Ok will ask about it as other things wrong. Probably all linked x
Yes Caroline I have never smoked either and was so shocked when the doc gave me this diagnosis. But my parents smoked and I have had allergies all my life and some mild asthma. He says I have obstructed breathing but nothing shows on x ray or ct scan. I am on Zenhale and have to be careful about not getting chest infection. My lung function is 62%. Hope you get the answers you need. Sue
Sounds much like. Myself. I think Asthma can turn into c o p d after Lon years of damage. At least it's not just me seems a fair few like us.
Hi, I was diagnosed with C.O.P.D. two years ago when I was 68. Always had a cough if I got a cold but this time I did not have the breath to walk and was given antibiotics and a steroid inhaler which calmed things down. Thing is, I've never been what I would call a real smoker=. Puffed a bit but always around smoke, being a singer and a publican. The reason I have the disease I believe is really bad whooping cough when I was 11 years old. My brother had it at the same time and he has bronchitis regularly.
Most blame smoking which can do this, but all the rubbish we breath in everyday can also give it us. No one knows what they are breathing while walking down the road it's scary if you think about it.