Emphasima in my family

[HedgeHogFoxBadger]

Hi everyone.
Beginning of the year my nan was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis, she was given a month to live, she is still with us now though.
My uncle (her son) passed away 5 years ago with emphasima and copd. My other uncle (her son) passed away in July with lung cancer and emphasima, he had only been diagnosed 5 weeks prior. My mum was advised to have a chest X-ray and she told me last night she has mild emphasima.
I just feel scared. I’m scared when the time comes for my nan and now my mum

[KamikazeIdiot]

There is an hereditary condition called alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency that causes emphysema, but this is usually apparent from earlier in life. COPD (combination of chronic bronchitis and emphysema) is caused by smoking a n the great majority of cases, although there are genetic factors that make some people more susceptible. Does/did your grandmother smoke? Did she ever work in an environment where she would be exposed to airborne dust or particles (cotton milling, ceramics, etc.)?

[KamikazeIdiot]

Sorry: "in the great majority...", of course. I hate typing on tablets.

[BeyondMyWits]

My grandad had emphysema - for 40 years. Tends to be referred to under the umbrella of COPD nowadays.

Early diagnosis when it is mild means a much better outcome, with longer life expectancy - treatment with inhalers, steroids when needed, keeping an eye on any wheeziness/chest infections etc. There is a ton of information out there.