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Auburn Annie · 08-11-2004, 01:34 PM

My maternal grandfather had emphysema; it's primarily but not exclusively caused by smoking. About 10% have never smoked. Some people (3%, usually under age 55) have a deficiency of the alpha 1-antitrypsin enzyme that seems to trigger it; in others it's due to rare metabolic disorders, HIV, intravenous drug use, or connective tissue disorders like Marfan syndrome. The Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine has an article (in PDF format) at http://www.ccjm.org/pdffiles/LEE1202.PDF

Emphysema isn't curable (yet) but can be treated. They've come a long way in treatments since my grandfather developed it in the mid 1960s. And every day there's news on the gene therapy front. I'm sure your friend and the doctors will be looking at all the possibilities.

[This message has been edited by Auburn Annie (edited August 11, 2004).]

08-11-2004, 01:34 PM	#17
Auburn Annie Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Upstate New York Posts: 3,101	My maternal grandfather had emphysema; it's primarily but not exclusively caused by smoking. About 10% have never smoked. Some people (3%, usually under age 55) have a deficiency of the alpha 1-antitrypsin enzyme that seems to trigger it; in others it's due to rare metabolic disorders, HIV, intravenous drug use, or connective tissue disorders like Marfan syndrome. The Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine has an article (in PDF format) at http://www.ccjm.org/pdffiles/LEE1202.PDF Emphysema isn't curable (yet) but can be treated. They've come a long way in treatments since my grandfather developed it in the mid 1960s. And every day there's news on the gene therapy front. I'm sure your friend and the doctors will be looking at all the possibilities. [This message has been edited by Auburn Annie (edited August 11, 2004).]