Never smoked and I have emphasyma?


Question:
I'm 37 years old. I've NEVER smoked (never even tried it). I recently had a chest xray, which showed signs of damage/early stages of emphasyma. Doc then sent me to pulmonologist for a PFT -- he thinks I have emphasyma as well. How does this happen?

I've done some poking around on the net and read about AAT (alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency). I've asked my doc to run the blood test for this, but she refuses. Could this be the culprit? Should I push for the test? I have also had some liver problems in the past (cholestatis of pregnancy). My grandmother had emphasyma (she smoked like she was on fire) and I have cousins with CP. Am I off in thinking I may have AAT?

Any advise?

Answers:
Second opinion, always get a second opinion. One doctor will not know 100% on everything. Get a second opinion. Definately push your doctor or another doctor to test for AAT. Many factors can lead up to emphysema though. Second-hand smoke (especially if you have ever lived with another smoker for an extended period of time), uncontrolled and poorly treated asthma along with many other possible chronic respiratory disorders. What kind of respiratory history do you have? Have you EVER smoked in the past? Do you have asthma? Have you ever had a long-term respiratory illness pertaining to the lungs or any other chronic lung disease?

Other Answers:
yes i feel you should push for the test.iam 25 now and i have been fighting cancer for 8 year now and on going and it was because i didt push for just one test.so if i was you i would push as hard as i can.

This can also be caused by second hand smoke during your life (sadly) and it also sounds like you have a genetic pre-disposition. Simply ASK your doctor why she won't run the test, if she doesn't answer go down to the billing or business department and report that as your doctory you feel she owes you an explanation (i've pulled this one a few times and always gotten my answers). YES i would def go to another doc.. there are a lot of people out there iwth it..




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