So I went to a pulmonary allergist because of minor breathing problems and insomnia, and he gives me a spirometry which I fail. So he then sends me to get a complete lung function test, chest x-ray, and blood test. He called me with the results today and said he "thinks" that I have early stage Emphysema. It's true that I smoked for about five years, but I quit about a year ago, And if I do have it, I suppose that I deserve it for smoking. But I am only 23 years Old! Has anyone here ever heard of or know someone that has this and is in there 20s? And if you do, do you know if they are able to lead a somewhat normal life?
First and foremost, in addition to following up with your current doctor, you need a second opinion. I did a little research: Emphysema occurs in a higher proportion in patients with decreased alpha 1-antitrypsin (A1AT) levels (alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency, A1AD). In A1AD, inflammatory enzymes (such as elastase) are able to destroy the alveolar tissue (the elastin fibre, for example). Most A1AD patients do not develop clinically significant emphysema, but smoking and severely decreased A1AT levels (10-15%) can cause emphysema at a young age. In all, A1AD causes about 2% of all emphysema. However, smokers with A1AD are in the highest risk category for emphysema. Emphysema is commonly associated with bronchitis and chronic bronchitis. Since it is difficult to delineate "pure" cases of emphysema or chronic bronchitis, they are generally grouped together as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Emphysema is an irreversible degenerative condition. The most important measure that can be taken to slow the progression of emphysema is for the patient to stop smoking and avoid all exposure to cigarette smoke and lung irritants. Pulmonary rehabilitation can be very helpful to optimize the patient's quality of life and teach the patient how to actively manage his or her care. Emphysema is also treated by supporting the breathing with anticholinergics, bronchodilators and (inhaled or oral) steroid medication, and supplemental oxygen as required. Treating the patient's other conditions including gastric reflux and allergies may also improve lung function.
Well some people are actually genetically predisposed to lack this enzyme (it's rare, but I've seen it) It's treatable with replacement therapy. I wonder Rael, have you been test to see if you have this deficiency? A lot of folks who do lack this enzyme have a scenario similar to yours. Do some research and look it up. Take care and blessings for healthy lungs
Well, thanks for the responses. It's official now, I do have it, the lung function tests proved it. Looks like I'm one of the few ever without Alpha 1 to be diagnosed with emphysema at my age. Not quite what I wanted for Christmas, but what ya gonna do, eh?
