Lung disease may be genetic, despite lack of family history

Patients who encounter serious lung diseases in middle age, despite an absence of family history or other predisposing factors, may still have their genes to blame, according to a new study conducted by researchers at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, part of the National Institutes of Health.

The study also determined that the use of a simple screening test may help identify those genetic abnormalities and allow detection before the onset of disease.

“Earlier reports have indicated a correlation between certain nontuberculous mycobacterial respiratory infections and specific gene abnormalities,” noted lead author Kenneth Olivier, M.D., M.P.H., NIAID staff clinician. “The results of this study confirm the correlation, and indicate the usefulness of simple testing in identifying these abnormalities, especially in an older population

Tags: health, lung disease, life