We describe the case of a 24-year old male who had been a heavy smoker since the age of 9 and who presented with an 8-year history of respiratory symptoms. He was having treatment for asthma. Spirometric studies and high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scans confirmed COPD with centrilobular emphysema. His blood level of alpha-1-antitrypsin was within the normal range. Early onset emphysema in smokers with a normal alpha-1-antitrypsin has been previously described. However, this case is, as far as we know, one of the youngest cases ever reported. © 2007 General Practice Airways Group. All rights reserved.
CITATION STYLE
Gupta, P. P., & Agarwal, D. (2007). A 24-year old man with persistent progressive breathlessness: Early onset COPD. Primary Care Respiratory Journal, 16(6), 387–390. https://doi.org/10.3132/pcrj.2007.00082
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