Asthmas/emphesemic changes in NON SMOKER

[Babs1176]

I am a 54 YO fe in relatively good health.Abt 3 years ago I decided to take charge of my health and lose some weight and begin regular excersize.Lost 45 pounds and have kept it off 5'4-145lbs

smoked for about 1 yr in college-some 30 yrs ago.
In Feb I started with SOB no attacks just a 24/7 sob wheezing slightly at tail end of expiration-only audible when things were very quiet.EXTREME sensitivity to strong perfumes and cig smoke.

MD did echo-neg-PFT WNR- bloodwork- neg.sent me to ENT-they saw nothing wrong and sent me to pulmonologist.(checked carefully for vocal cord dysfunction)
He began treating empirically.albuteral-short course prednisone- no improvement.

Then had bronchoprov...went to -13% on saline and then -22% at .1% of methocholine.
so have been on advair 250/50-just increased to 500/50 last week-total of about 5 weeks.
CT scan showed sl emphysemic changes and 3 mm nodule in mid r lung.Am assured nodule is nothing worrisome

My question is this:
how common are these things in NON SMOKERS?Pulm did all the genetic enzyme deficiency tests and all were neg(mom died of COPD-heavy smoker)

I am told hyperreactive airway disease as well as emphysemic changes are diagnosis of COPD-even though I have no changes on PTF indicating emphysema. Is this correct?
Do feel better than I have felt energy wise in over a year.I was getting so frustrated that the wieght loss and regular excersize did not help the overwhelming, relentless fatigue. Still have some breathing issues..but they are improving I believe.
I can find no info on asthma/copd in NON SMOKERS

[kathyw]

Thanks so much for your response.  I've been trying to figure this out for a long time.

[shoshr]

Did you ever get any help on this? I have some "similar" issues, especially re. being non-smoker and having breathing problems that are NOT being helped by asthma medications. My doctor says its asthma, but I'm not convinced cos nothing's helping, and he's in no rush to do more tests.

If you got help or have ideas, let me know!!

Shosh