Young Non-Smokers with Emphysema?

I had a really bad asthma attack and bronchitis that came out of nowhere end of last year. I had an x-ray in November from one radiologist that read "hyperinflated lungs" then another a few weeks ago that said "pulmonary emphysema, no infiltrates." I've never smoked in my life and I'm still in my 30s. I've also never had any family members with emphysema, although my mom has asthma. Now they tell me I have to wait 2 more weeks for a spirometry to confirm these chest x-ray results. I am breathing fine now, with a lot of air coming in and out of my lungs and only use the Advair once in the morning and once at night. I've read a lot on the internet that says emphysema patients are 90% smokers and the rest are hereditary situations. I really want to get this resolved and take a spirometry test and CT scan as soon as possible, but they say I have to wait for the test date and another 3 weeks for the results. Has anyone else ever experienced a similar situation and have any answers?

The inherited emphysema is Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency or just Alpha-1 for short. I should know I have it. You should have your doctor test you for this. Tell them you want the gene type and a serum level. You need both for an accurate answer. If this is it then the sooner you get treatment the better. I wasn't tested or treated until my lung function was about 28%. It didn't have to be that way. If they would have tested me when my symptoms began I would be so much better off. This usually starts in your 30's. Not trying to scare you but you need to find out. Start look on the internet. There's the Alpha-1 Foundation & the Alpha-1 Association.
There's also a great site www.spiderspun.net. It has tons of info there. The site is run by a woman that has Alpha-1.
You can email me at wvflowergirl@yahoo.com if you want.

There is a heredity COPD, About 24% of the folks with COPD never smoked, So your situ is not that uncommon

If you had hereditary emphysema you would probably be aware of others in your family with this condition. It is quite possible that that the radiologist misinterpreted your x-ray. Try not to worry at this point. The pulmonary function test is quick and easy. Different measurements of airflow are taken during the test. The measurements that are low for an asthmatic are different than for a person with emphysema. Best of luck to you.