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Nonsmoker diagnosed with COPD
Hello. I have never smoked nor been exposed to secondhand smoke. I have not had any other exposures that would harm my lungs. Since childhood I have had asthma. About 20 years ago was diagnosed with ABPA (allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis) and bronchiectasis. I am looking for info if anyone else who has never smoked and has a COPD diagnosis. Thank you.
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I have had asthma my entire life. I am 73. Never smoked. about 4 years ago I had a chest xray that came back with COPD. I just ignored it since it wasnt really causing any problems. Last year I had a CT scan that showed possible COPD. I thought I better get it checked out. I went to a lung specialist and he determined that I have scaring on my lungs but not COPD. Dr. thought it was most likely scaring from valley fever. Not sure that helps but mine did not end up being COPD.
I was not a smoker but was married for 18 years to heavy smoker. I was 77 when I was diagnosed 40 years after I divorced and was not around afterward.
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1 ReactionI had asthma as a young child. It was so mild mostly I never had it treated. I’ve never smoked it been around any smokers. About 25 years ago, I started waking because I had difficulty breathing and got a thorough evaluation after my physical showed me to be in great health. I had x-ray, ct scan and Pulmonary Function test. I was found to have moderate to severe emphysema from no known cause and much testing has shown I don’t have Alpha-1 anitrypsin deficiency (the genetic form of copd) either.
I’m still doing pretty well, though have needed O2 for altitude and now for exertion as well, plus for sleeping since 2016. I still travel and live a very full life!
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1 ReactionI was born underweight to a constant smoker so was around second hand smoke for years. I was diagnosed with COPD in my latter 30s so have been dealing with it a long time. It sounds like air pollution, smoke from fires (not cigarettes) can also lead to COPD. I'm glad you are able to travel. I struggle with that but still want to do it. How do you use the O2 to deal with altitude? My husband really wants to travel out west and I'm concerned about that.
Never smoked, 59. Had bad allergies and GERDS for years. Went to Europe for vacation and caught a flu, never fully cleared my lungs, after 3 months was told chronic bronchitis, given course of steroids and antibiotic. Got a little better but never cleared my lungs out. Month later went to doctor and was told COPD. CT scan showed hiatal hernia, fluid on one lung, lower lungs collapsed, and a nodule on left lung. Nebulized glutathione has been a blessing.