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Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Causes & Risks

Causes

COPD develops due to:

  • Cigarette smoking
  • Inhaling toxins or other irritants
  • Genetic predisposition can make a person's lungs more susceptible to damage from smoke or pollutants (includes alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency)

Risk Factors

Factors that increase your chance of developing COPD include:

  • Smoking cigarettes
  • Long-term exposure to second-hand or passive smoke
  • Family members with COPD
  • Exposure to pollutants
  • History of frequent childhood lung infections
  • Age: 50 or older

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2024 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.

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Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Guide

Alison Beaver
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