COPD develops due to long-term damage to the lungs that causes them to become inflamed or damaged, obstructed, and narrowed. Smoking is the main cause of COPD. However, not all smokers, even heavy smokers, develop COPD, and at least 20-30 percent of people with COPD are never smokers.[3]   It is important to know that COPD can be prevented! Whether or not a person develops COPD in their lifetime is influenced by a complex mix of their environment and genetic makeup. For example, recent research suggests that having small airways relative to the size of the lungs could predispose people to a lower breathing capacity and an increased risk of COPD. Early life events like infection or a mother who smokes can put someone at risk for developing COPD. Risk factors for COPD include:
Environmental contributors
Genetic risk factors (i.e., alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, a rare condition which makes people susceptible to COPD at a younger age) Lung development and aging factors Chronic infections (for example, HIV is associated with COPD) Social and economic considerations Frequent childhood chest infections or poor lung development Smoking As mentioned before, smoking is the main cause of COPD. Although not all people who smoke develop the condition, smoking cessation is highly recommended as a treatment given the link between smoking and cancer, heart disease, and other serious chronic diseases. There are several evidence-based methods and approaches to help in quitting smoking. Nicotine replacement therapies and medications have been shown to help.[4] Several organizations also offer support groups and coaches trained to support people quitting smoking.  It is still too early to understand the long-term risks of vaping and early studies suggest that vaping is associated with lung disease.[4] The COPD medical and advocacy community generally discourages use of e-cigarettes and vaping, whether in place of tobacco smoking or as a smoking cessation tool. Talk to your healthcare team about what might work best for you. Fumes and dust in the workplace Nearly 24% of the global impact of COPD is caused by workplace exposure.[5] According to the UK’s National Health Service, some occupational dust and chemicals may cause COPD, especially if you breathe them in, including:[6]
Cadmium dust and fumes. Grain and flour dust. Silica dust. Welding fuels. Isocyanates. Coal dust. Air pollution Household air pollution affects billions globally. Burning fuel on open fires for cooking and heating in poorly ventilated homes can be one of the main causes. This may put people in many developing countries – particularly women, who carry out the majority of cooking duties – at greater risk of COPD. Wood burning fireplaces and heaters also increase indoor air pollution. We know that poor air quality in towns and cities can be harmful to our lungs, especially for people who already have heart or respiratory conditions. However, it’s not clear how that affects our chances of developing COPD, as more research is needed.[7] Genetics If you have a rare genetic condition called alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency (AATD), you’re more likely to develop COPD. About 3.4 million people globally have AATD,[8] which is more common in people of European ancestry.[9]  Alpha-1-antitrypsin is a chemical normally produced in the liver that protects our lungs from harmful substances and infections. People with AATD lack alpha-1 antitrypsin, and this can lead to developing COPD. You also might have COPD at a younger age and your COPD might progress more rapidly,[10] especially if you smoke.[11] If you smoke, it is therefore even more important to stop. Ask your doctor or healthcare provider what other health and lifestyle measures you can take and seek out support communities of others with Alpha-1.