Emphysema in non-smokers?

MIL was just diagnosed with emphysema but never smoked. Don't know too many details yet as the whole family is a hysterical mess. Does anyone know anything about emphysema in non-smokers? TIA.

Re: Emphysema in non-smokers?

i've never heard of that before. . . .

Only other way I would think would be work-related hazards? was she ever a cleaning person using bleach, ammonia and the like? or in construction or some sort of artsy thing where she would have been exposed to high amounts of fumes, paint, terpentine, sawdust? etc.

my father has emphysema but he was a heavy smoker (Still smoking! ) and worked in construction for over 40 years... tons of sawdust, sheet rock, fumes, etc. etc.

Re: Emphysema in non-smokers?

It's a form of COPD. Was she diagnosed with that?

Re: Emphysema in non-smokers?

COPD...anybody can get that it's not just a smokers issue. it's a form of copd

Re: Emphysema in non-smokers?

My dad was diagnosed with it and he is not a smoker

He has to use an inhaler I think 1 time a day

its very treatable, I hope the family can calm down once they find out the info...

Re: Emphysema in non-smokers?

I'm so sorry!

I don't know anyone who had it personally, but 5% of all emphysema cases are due to genetic reasons. (Something about your body not making a protein correctly...) And, yes, environmental hazards can be another cause.

The good news is that I remember reading that the disease is far, far less likely to be fatal in non-smokers.

Re: Emphysema in non-smokers?

Thanks everyone. They've calmed down now and I got more info. The doctor said she has a very mild form of emphysema and it is treatable, should not affect her daily life much. She just has to be very careful not to get sick as any respiratory infection can be more dangerous than in a person without emphysema. Her father smoked around her while she was growing up, no chemical or other exposure. She is going for testing to see if she has that genetic enzyme thing that can cause it.

Thanks again

Message edited 2/13/2008 10:46:22 AM.

Re: Emphysema in non-smokers?

I'm really glad to hear it is less serious than you initially thought.

I wish her many years of health!

Re: Emphysema in non-smokers?

If anybody has asthma it's a form of COPD. It's a general term used for lung diseases.