COPD

[222fbj]

Hi
1-NON SMOKERS >>> I am looking for info and other COPD patients who (like me) were never smokers. I've been diagnosed with COPD and have a lung capacity of 52% of normal (for my age/body). I'm not certain exactly what that number refers to but it came after a bunch of PFTs. I'm interested in learning more about 'non smoker' COPD - particularly ideas on why they may have this condition. I had a blood test looking for a specific 'genome?' COPD marker - but it came back negative. I also have a congenital chest-wall deformity (pectus excavatum) but that is apparently not a cause of COPD

2-PULSE-OX Meters >>> I've seen these devices for sale. Does monitoring this info help you in some way - maybe when to slow down physical activivity, or how you COPD is progressing?

Thanks

[deepcreek]

Hi
1-NON SMOKERS >>> I am looking for info and other COPD patients who (like me) were never smokers. I've been diagnosed with COPD and have a lung capacity of 52% of normal (for my age/body). I'm not certain exactly what that number refers to but it came after a bunch of PFTs. I'm interested in learning more about 'non smoker' COPD - particularly ideas on why they may have this condition. I had a blood test looking for a specific 'genome?' COPD marker - but it came back negative. I also have a congenital chest-wall deformity (pectus excavatum) but that is apparently not a cause of COPD.

2-PULSE-OX Meters >>> I've seen these devices for sale. Does monitoring this info help you in some way - maybe when to slow down physical activivity, or how you COPD is progressing?

Thanks

that test for gene is alphi 1

[Davy9]

The genetic anomaly that leads to COPD is called alpha 1 anti-trypsin deficiency. I dearly hope that this is not your problem as it is quite serious. Other things can lead to COPD that are occupational. You need to discuss your problem with a good pulmonary doc.

Pulse oximeters measure oxygen saturation percentages in the blood non-invasively. They are very useful in assessing hypoxemia or low O2 levels. Saturation levels should remain above 90% and should not dip much below the 80s. They may also decline when someone exercises suggesting a limitation in their ability to conduct work. But they are not diagnostic. Many things can cause lowered O2 saturations and the situation must be individualized. So if you decide to employ one of these do so with your MDs input. They also have limitations because they look only at oxyhemoglobin or oxygen attached to red blood cells. If you're anemic the saturation level will read normal but still there may not be adequate oxygen in your system due to the lowered carrying capacity.

[222fbj]

Thanks for that good information.
I tested negative for the alpha 1 anti-trypsin deficiency.

BJ