Actually, it could be either. Paraiviezzo, certainly the second hand smoke did you no good for a formative part of your life, and I believe that it could easily have done early damage to your lungs that could certainly have contributed to your asthma and then to COPD later in life. As people with asthma are living much longer than they did even 10 years ago, we're finding that as they age, often their asthma does become COPD. Continuous coughing is definitely a sign of COPD, but it's good that you ruled out allergies, Nancy.

I don't know how old you are, Nancy, but you look young. You should be tested for alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency just to rule it out. Then you need to find a good pulmonologist who can help you set up a program of both exercise and medication that is designed to help you learn to manage and control your COPD rather than let it manage and control you. The disease is progressive, but you can slow the progression to that of someone without COPD with the proper meds and lifestyle changes.

COPD is manageable and controllable. I'm 71 and I know I had COPD in 1985. Using diet and exercise, I continued working until my planned retirement at the end of 2009. I continue to work out every day, watch my weight, and do pretty much anything I want to do, albeit a bit slower than my friends. I have about a third the lung function of someone my age, but I continue to consult regularly in my professional field and do a lot of work as an advocate for people with COPD. I fly on average twice a month and can play with my grandchildren. Life is really pretty good!

Nancy: "What's the difference" on COPD vs allergies?

BIG difference! I've known a few people who had some major allergies -- a couple come to mind who both looked like they were going into serious asthma attacks when they got anywhere near a cat, and I also knew several people who had major allergies to cigarette smoke. (The REAL variety)

COPD is manageable with proper care. You know your limits and there are things you can do to be more comfortable. But allergies can sneak up on you. You need to guard against the things you are allergic to to avoid major problems, particularly when you already have the COPD.

I'd call that a difference!

I, too, never smoked and was diagnosed with asthma as a child, lived with parents that chain smoked and now have COPD.

I have the same problem. I never smoked either. My parents did though and they were both chain smokers. My Dad passed at 62 from lung cancer. My mom at 80 from lung cancer. I know it's not fair and I try my best to not be bitter. I don't believe you had COPD as a child. It takes quite a while to do its damage. I also have asthma and my doctor was blaming my increasing breathlessness to my asthma. I really wish it was so. God bless you and comfort you. Hugs from Pat

Ive got copd ......I could blame my parents as they.both smoked ,my brothers n sisters some smoke some dont ,none of them have any breathing difficulties ,only me ,so in my eyes its just smoking ,all though no one should smoke ,people should be aware that copd comes from othere sources .....hope this is helpfull x