Rare if ever: Some people with a deficiency in an enzyme inhibitor called alpha 1 antitrypsin may develop emphysema at a much earlier age but it will be another 2 decades or so down the road before this would happen. At your age, I think the damage caused by smoking is minimal but not non-existent. I congratulate you for quitting smoking, By the way, smoking makes your airway less responsive to inhaled steroid
Answered 3/14/2016
3.8k views
Quitting is wise.: Yes, even a 16-year-old rarely can have COPD. One possible cause is alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency, which also causes liver problems. However, your allergies and asthma seem to be enough to explain your COPD-like symptoms. Quitting tobacco (even e-cigarettes) is wise. Do not smoke or use vape. See a doctor for your allergies and asthma. There are good treatments available for allergies and asthma.
Answered 8/18/2014
3.8k views
6 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
A doctor has provided 1 answer
6 doctors weighed in across 3 answers
6 doctors weighed in across 3 answers
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more.
Ask your question