Conference told genes increase risk of lung disease

Australian researchers have told a conference in Brisbane that there are genes which increase the risk of lung disease.

The annual meeting of the Thoracic Society has heard findings from the Prince Charles Hospital in Brisbane showing certain genes seem to increase the risk of developing chronic lung diseases like bronchitis and emphysema.

Professor Michael Abramson from Melbourne's Monash University says knowing about the genetic link is a big step forward in working out what causes emphysema.

He says it shows that smoking is not the only cause of the disease and that some are more susceptible to it than others.

"I think we've had our picture of the disease distorted by the predominant role of cigarette smoking and I think we need to recognise that as in the case of most human diseases, there's an interaction between genes and the environment," he said.

© 2000 Australian Broadcasting Corporation