The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute reports that “smoking is the most common cause of COPD, accounting for as many as nine out of 10 COPD-related deaths. However, as many as one out of six people who have COPD never smoked.”
So, then what else causes COPD?
Pollutants
Exposure to air pollutants such as industrial chemicals, fumes, and dust in the workplace over a long period of time can compromise lung health and may also contribute to COPD. Although these toxins and pollutants in the air are thought to contribute to the development of COPD, neither has been proven to be as big a risk factor as smoking.
Genetics
The genes you inherit from your family can make you likely to develop COPD. Some people have a rare form of COPD called alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency-related emphysema which affects the body’s ability to produce a protein (Alpha-1) that protects the lungs. This gene abnormality can cause lung damage and emphysema, even without smoking or breathing irritants. If COPD runs in your family, you may want to consider genetic testing for the alpha-1 antitrypsin anomaly.1
The Aging Process
This form of COPD is called senile emphysema. It’s when your lungs naturally break down over time.2 It’s part of the normal aging process. Most people will develop this if they live long enough. Like any disease, it develops at different times and intensifies from one person to another. It’s generally not diagnosed until after the age of 70. And it’s usually not considered a disease, but a result of aging. In most people it’s not significant enough to even be recognized.3
Other Respiratory Conditions
- People with chronic asthma may be more at risk of developing COPD.
- People who had severe respiratory infections as children may also have a higher risk of COPD.
- A family history of obstructive lung disease can also increase the risk.
- Those who have had tuberculosis (TB) could also be more at risk, as this disease can cause permanent scarring to the lungs. People with a history of TB are three times as likely to develop COPD than those without.4
Links:
- https://www.francisanhealth.org/community/blog/what-causes-copd-other-than-smoking
- https://copd.net/living/causes-besides-cigarettes
- Sharma, et al., “Effect of aging on respiratory system physiology and immunology,” Clinical Interventions in Aging, September 2006, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2695176/, accessed 2/28/18
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5351350/
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