A member asked:

Is it possible to 16 years old have copd. i smoke e cigaret 7 months maybe 20-40 puffs a day. ihave asthma and allergy . i have sore throat i hav quit?

3 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
Dr. John Chiu answered

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

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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

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