Chronic lung diseases like COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), an umbrella term for lung conditions like emphysema, are rare in people in their twenties but possible in heavy smokers or those with a genetic deficiency, says the British Lung Foundation.
“Emphysema is part of a group of lung conditions called Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease which kills around 30,000 people in the UK every year – more than breast, prostate or colon cancer,” says Dr Keith Prowse, spokesperson for the British Lung Foundation. “It normally affects people in their forties onwards, but heavy smoking and inhaling other substances like drugs can age the lungs prematurely and bring on early onset in someone much younger.
“COPD causes irreversible damage to the lungs, leaving the sufferer struggling for breath. The disease is progressive but it can be managed with treatment and stopping smoking is vital to slow it down and stop the lungs getting any worse.
“In the late stages of the disease people with COPD struggle to walk more than a few steps and often are confined to a wheelchair. They have difficulty taking part in everyday activities. Anyone who relies on their lungs for a living, such as a singer, dancer, or musician, would struggle to find the breath to perform effectively.
In a very small percentage of individuals, COPD is caused by a genetic deficiency called Alpha-1-antitrypsin and may present much earlier in life – more than 50% of patients who have severe disease are under 40 years of age. We believe that other genetic factors are also involved, but we urgently need more research to provide a detailed knowledge of these.”
For more information please contact Casey Purkiss on 020 7688 5564 / casey.purkiss@blf-uk.org or Katherine Huntly on 020 7688 5588 / Katherine.huntly@blf-uk.org
