COPD in the Never-Smoker

By David M. Mannino, MD, FCCP; and Kathryn Marie McGonigle

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Prevention and Intervention

Although COPD is predominantly a disease of smokers, it does occur in never-smokers and former smokers. In that setting, the most important COPD intervention, smoking cessation, is not possible. A key part of intervening in these patients is early detection and treatment. Patients with asthma are at risk for developing COPD, and both monitoring of their lung function status and aggressive treatment of their underlying condition are merited. Eliminating occupational or avocational exposures that can worsen lung function is also critical. Finally, because of the strong familial component of COPD, evaluating children and siblings of never-smoking patients who develop COPD may provide opportunities for early intervention.

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