COPD Risk Factors

Each year, nearly 10 million adults are diagnosed with COPD, and healthcare professionals believe that more than half of Americans with lung disease go undiagnosed.

Causes of COPD include:

Smoking

- More than 80% of COPD patients are or were smokers. The extent of the COPD depends on how long and how much tobacco was used. Although quitting smoking reduces the risks of developing COPD, some of the damage caused by smoking is irreversible.

Exposure to Occupational and Environmental Pollutants

- Chemicals, industrial smoke, and other air pollutants may be attributable to COPD. Dusts from mining, grain, and other materials can also cause COPD. Dusts can also cause lung diseases, such as asbestosis, mesothelioma, beryllium disease, and black lung disease. Learn How to Reduce Respiratory Irritants in Your Home.

Genetic Factors

- Persons with a hereditary deficiency of the blood component alpha-1 antitrypsin account for 1% to 3% of COPD cases. This condition is more specifically called Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency.

Allergies and Asthma

- Allergens and asthma can cause changes in the lungs and airways that may lead to the development of COPD.

Nutrition

- Poor nutrition can increase the risk for dysfunction within the lungs. Nutrients should come from natural sources rather than supplements.

Periodontal Disease

- Studies have shown that patients with periodontal disease are one and a half times the risk for developing COPD than those without periodontal disease. It is believed that the bacteria that causes periodontal disease can travel into the lungs and cause inflammation and infection.

Low Birth Weight

- Low birth weight has been linked to COPD. It is believed that it may be due to poor nutrition during fetal development, resulting in small, dysfunction lungs.

Age, Gender, Ethnic Background

- COPD is most commonly found in white, men over 60 years of age.

Sources: A.D.A.M. and aurorahealthcare.org