COPD - non smoker

New GP reading notes off the screen, that asthma nurse had made. Talking about possible COPD. More than a bit confused when I said I'd never smoked and neither do friends or family. Fifteen years ago, when I noticed my cough had got worse, I was working as admin in University's Cell Biology Dept. Rarely in the labs. so maybe its not that.

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GrannyMo is it possible at some time in your life you have been near toxic fumes of some sort or areas with high pollution levels as this can cause damage in your lungs which can lead to COPD... I have the early stages of COPD and I have never smoked however lungs been exposed regularly chloroaimines when younger and pollutants due to job. Have you had any spirometry tests done to confirm diagnosis or x-rays or CT scans?

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Thanks for the ideas of fumes or pollution. Had a long think but none that husband or I can think of. Moved into Barrhead after the mills, Shanks and other industries were long gone. Haven't spent time around smokers either. Never really went for the smoky pubs and club culture. Far rather have a midnight run to the coast.

Wondering if there's a genetic link as my mum had breathless episodes by the time she got to her 50s and thinking back, her older sister had a lung removed, for what reason was never talked about. My parents weren't smokers and nor was the aunt, which is why going down the genetic idea from my mum's side. Believe there is a blood test for genetic COPD. Will ask at next appt.

[Skee-skee]

The genetic type of COPD is alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (there is a bit on the British Lung Foundation website about it). With a strong family history (particularly in non-smokers) it is worth asking for genetic testing.

Interesting that you cough got worse when working in a uni's cell biology department. I used to work with someone who devloped lung problems when working in science as the air conditioning was re-circulating air from the animal lab to her office!! I think it is animal work and certain chemicals (can't remember what though!) that you have to watch out for. When doing my PhD we had yearly lung function tests. Have you mentionned the lab connection to your GP?

Take care

Bryony

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Iv just been studyin COPD at uni! I was told there, that COPD covers a lot of respiratory illnessess, including asthma that is not responding to treatment.

Although most of COPD patients have smoked, there are some who dont and I think alot of these people are the ones who have devolped COPD due to another respiratory illness like asthma or bronchitis!

Hope this helps

Lindsay xx

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Hi Back at new practice as bronchitis taking its time to go away and still feeling too tried to gallop up the road in usual fashion. Turns out chest rattle has disappeared, but probably overdoing it a bit - perhaps clearing out grandkids bedroom was a step too far. lol.

Asked about COPD and this doc, lovely lady, took me through the findings on the screen of spirometry test the other week. Turns out all pointed to Asthma only. Why did the older doc say COPD? Explained as being of an age when blanket term used to describe all respiratory stuff including asthma.

Thanks to all who replied and gave encouragement on COPD. Should I develop COPD at a future time, will now know not to worry xox

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Edit: Duplicate post. Really have to turn down sensitivity of touchpad on new laptop.

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Glad it turned out to be what you expected GrannyMo! Always worrying when they kind of 'throw' this thing out and then you start worrying about all the implications. Also glad your new GP is so helpful.

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I had a practice nurse who always claimed poorly controlled asthma would lead to copd. She said airway restructuring and damage caused to lungs would mean permanent damage that wouldn't reverse with use of bronchodilators .... Seems this theory is starting To catch on with some dr's in agreement with this also ...