Question 1

what are the possible causes of breathlessness in a non smoker if asthma and copd ruled out?

Accepted Answer

Cardiac: After ruling out lung pathology, the next things to rule out are- cardiac reasons and renal reasons. Sometimes hepatic reasons too.

Question 2

what's the difference between copd and asthma. could copd be mistaken for asthma. non smoker and non drinker but asthma not settled still after 3months since being diagnosed?

Accepted Answer

Asthma/COPD: Asthma is an inflammatory condtion of the bronchial tubes with wheezing and cough. Causes are multiple: allergic,intrinsic, viral, chemical, idiopathic. COPD refers to chronic damage  of the the bronchial tubes with scarring and subsequent diffuculty breathing: multiple causes: usually smoking, inhalation of chemicals or organic dusts, recurrent bronchial infections.

Question 3

a few months ago i developed excess phlegm in lungs and it has become a nuisance. i am a healthy 59 year-old, fit and a total non-smoker. i live in los angeles. i don't know how i could have developed symptoms that are similar to a type of copd?

Accepted Answer

: Air pollution is a known risk factor for COPD. A virtual consult with Healthtap is available. A copy of your PFTs would be helpful. Other causes include bronchiectasis and infections.

Question 4

spirometry test shows i have copd and x-rays show my lungs are enlarged, but i am a 21 year old non smoker?

Accepted Answer

Unusual: There are genetic problems that can cause COPD in young adult non-smokers.

Question 5

im smoker..how to i know if i have copd ?

Accepted Answer

Pfts: It is unlikely you have COPD at age 27 from smoking unless you have alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. The symptoms of COPD are shortness of breath and cough. A pulmonary function test can assess the degree of  airflow obstruction that is present. This is the hallmark of copd.

Question 6

what are the symptoms of copd in smokers?

Accepted Answer

COPD: Most cases cough, wheeze and shortness of breath.

Question 7

is it possible to get copd if you're not a smoker?

Accepted Answer

COPD: Yes. COPD can result from second hand smoke exposure in nonsmokers, occupational exposures, and genetic abnormalities as well.

Question 8

copd changes seen on x-ray but person never smoked nor was around smokers. 58 years old. what else could this be then?

Accepted Answer

COPD: COPD while commonly associated with smoking can develop for several other reasons mostly due to genetic conditions, long term exposure to other lung damaging processes in mining or construction. There is also damage caused by second hand smoke.

Question 9

what are some precautions that copd patients should be taking around smokers?

Accepted Answer

Avoid...: As a COPD patient, you need to avoid second hand smoke as much as possible since this smoke will result in further airway inflammation, resulting in more symptoms and faster progression. If you wear oxygen, you absolutely cannot be around anyone smoking, ever, since it can cause a fire! key word: avoid!

Question 10

i have developed a chronic cough. i am 41 and a smoker. could this be an early sign of copd?

Accepted Answer

Certainly.: Chronic cough can have many causes, but with you being a smoker, you need to see your doctor for evaluation as soon as possible. Your doctor can also help you quit smoking (there are medications and classes available), which will decrease your risk for further lung damage.

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Doctor answers about:

Non smoker copd

A member asked:

What are the possible causes of breathlessness in a non smoker if asthma and copd ruled out?

A member asked:

What's the difference between copd and asthma. could copd be mistaken for asthma. non smoker and non drinker but asthma not settled still after 3months since being diagnosed?

A member asked:

A few months ago i developed excess phlegm in lungs and it has become a nuisance. i am a healthy 59 year-old, fit and a total non-smoker. i live in los angeles. i don't know how i could have developed symptoms that are similar to a type of copd?

A member asked:

Spirometry test shows i have copd and x-rays show my lungs are enlarged, but i am a 21 year old non smoker?

A member asked:

Im smoker..how to i know if i have copd ?

A member asked:

What are the symptoms of copd in smokers?

A member asked:

Is it possible to get copd if you're not a smoker?

A member asked:

Copd changes seen on x-ray but person never smoked nor was around smokers. 58 years old. what else could this be then?

A member asked:

What are some precautions that copd patients should be taking around smokers?

A member asked:

I have developed a chronic cough. i am 41 and a smoker. could this be an early sign of copd?

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