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By stormylynne

1 min read

I was told 3 years ago I had COPD. I don't smoke so how did I get this? I am 46 years old plus I have biploar with anxiety too.

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Lyn Harper, MPA, BSRT, RRT, AE-C Moderator
Hi Stormylynne, Thank you for the question - it's an excellent one. It's estimated that 85 to 90% of COPD is caused by smoking; so apparently you fall into that unique group of others. While I can't say for certain since I don't know your history and we can't give medical advice in this setting for your own safety, I can tell you some of the other known causes of COPD. 1. Second-hand smoke - this is a big one. If you've ever lived with someone that smoked or worked in a job that allowed people to smoke, that could have been a factor. 2. Pollution and/or toxic fumes - again, perhaps you lived in an area, maybe a big city where pollution was out of control or worked at a profession that exposed you to fumes or chemicals of some kind. Inhaled toxins of this nature are another cause of COPD. 3. Your genes - this is a rare cause, but it does happen. There is a rare form of COPD called Alpha 1 Antitrypsin deficiency (AAT). This is an inherited condition and effects an estimated 100,000 people in the US (according to the Alpha 1 center). In fact, we encourage any person that has had a diagnosis of COPD to be tested, if nothing else, to rule this cause out. I hope this helped some. It can scary and confusing when you don't know how you got COPD. But, I hope you're finding a lot of helpful information on this site. Please feel free to participate as much as you'd like. Regards, Lyn (moderator)
1. stormylynne Member
 Thank you for the information. It help me understand more
2. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
 Hi Stormylynne and welcome. I see that Lyn has provided you with some very helpful information regarding the causes of COPD that are not related to smoking. We have a wealth of information right here on <a href='https://copd.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a>. I thought you might find it helpful to also read one of our published articles on the causes and risk factors of COPD (as a supplement to the information provided by Lyn): <a href='https://copd.net/basics/causes-risk-factors' target='_blank'>https://copd.net/basics/causes-risk-factors/</a> All the best, Leon (site moderator)
ellenjanelockhart Member
Hi I just became a member on this fantastic site. I have been diagnosed with COPD. I don't know anyone personally to ask questions. I saw this site and have done so much reading. After seeing a Doctor that is a respirologist as of 2 weeks ago I had the 6 minute walk test. That was tge test that confirmed I need oxygen to use on excertion.it was such a shock but now after 2 weeks I must say I have had time to digest this and I don't really need the oxygen that much. Maybe at this point 2 hrs a day when going up and Dow stairs for example. With you being an non smoker it would make me wonder as well. I was a smoker but gave that habit up 6 years ago. I hope you are doing ok. Ellen