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A member asked:
Is it possible to be diagnosed with emphysema if the person hasn't smoked for over 4 decades?
3 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
Yes: It is possible to get it without smoking at all. The disease is likely an interaction between a genetic predisposition and environmental irritant. Smoking is the main cause in the us and worldwide, but woodsmoke, dust, etc are all also associated.
Answered 9/30/2012
5.7k views
Yes: Smoking does its damage to the lungs and lung function deteriorates with age for everybody anyway. Environmental and occupational exposures, as well as undertreated asthma can also contribute to emphysema.
Answered 12/31/2016
5.7k views
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