COPD & Emphysema Support Group
COPD is a progressive disease characterized by airflow obstruction or limitation. Emphysema is characterized by loss of elasticity of the lung tissue, destruction of structures supporting the alveoli and of capillaries feeding the alveoli. Both have symptoms that include shortness of breath, among other respiratory troubles. If you are a COPD or Emphysema sufferer, join...
When people are younger, their lungs are still in a generally healthy state. It takes several years for COPD to develop.
Most people are at least 40 years old when symptoms of COPD first appear. However, while rare, it’s not impossible to develop COPD as a young adult.
There are certain genetic conditions, such as alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency, that can predispose younger patients to developing COPD. If you develop symptoms of COPD at a very young age, typically under 40 years of age, your physician may screen for this condition.
The progression of the disease can vary slightly, so it’s more important to focus on possible COPD symptoms rather than solely on the age you might get it.
or maybe it is a Generic Form called Alpha 1.....A simple blood sample test can determine that.......
https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/alpha-1-antitrypsin-deficiency