Is it genetic?

[WAllen]

My Grandma on my Mom's side is diagnosed with CHF and COPD. My Mom died last year during a heart cath procedure and on her autopsy report under other causes to death they listed CHF and COPD. I just turned 22 today and was wondering if there is a chance that I might end up with either of these and if so if there is any prevention I can take now to limit my chances of getting it.
Thank you.

[lynnkay]

I believe lung disease can very much run in families. I had a grandfather pass away with lung cancer. But, it started out as melanoma skin cancer. My grandfather did smoke. My mother's only sibling a brother passed away with COPD and CHF. He was a smoker. My mother passed away just 2 yrs. ago from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. She died 4 mths. after a lung transplant. My mother was never a smoker. I was diagnosed almost 2 yrs. ago with moderate COPD. My only sibling a brother was diagnosed 6 mths. before me with moderate COPD. My brother and me both were smokers. So, it seems that lung disease is running on my mother's side of the family.

But smoking is a huge culprit of developing COPD. Do as suggested. Do not smoke. And avoid second hand smoke and smoky environments. I do believe occupation can play a huge role in developing COPD as well. I worked around vats of hot glue, silicone, fiberglass, solder and worked in dusty warehouses. Of course, I was told that none of these things would harm me by employers. And possibly as posted, certain meds could cause COPD as well. I also agree with teko on the 25% of smokers that develop COPD.

But, just maintain a healthy lifestyle. I see you having a long good life.

[rosco888]

In my case, I did smoke but I fervently believe it was the Metoprolol (Lopressor) prescribed for chest pain (angina) and high blood pressure that caused COPD for me.  A printout provided by my HMO indicates that one side effect of the med is that it MAY MAKE ASTHMA WORSE.  This tells me that the med acts negatively on the lungs.  If you mother had CHF, she may have been taking a medication that caused her COPD.    Talk this over with your grandmother to see if there is a medication connection in either her or your mother's case.

Just something to think about.

[teko]

They say it is due to smoking, however only about 25% of smokers actually get it. Think about that! Why not everyone who smokes? I believe you have a genetic disposition to get it and then if you smoke you activate it somehow. Dont ever smoke, anything and stay away from smoke filled rooms and irritants and you will probably never get it.