Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the name for a group of lung conditions that cause airflow blockage and breathing issues. Long-term, cumulative exposure to airway irritants, like cigarette smoke and pollution, is the main cause of COPD, although asthma or other respiratory diseases may also cause COPD.

Knowing the risk factors of COPD is useful to understand the disease itself and how to prevent it. So, read on to find out more.

COPD Risk Factors

1. 1. Asthma

According to research, the risk of developing COPD may increase up to 12 times for those who have asthma. The risk is even higher for those who have asthma and also smoke. But, what is asthma? It is a condition characterized by episodes of inflammation and narrowed airways. And, even though it can be successfully managed by treatment, such episodes can damage the lungs and lead to complications, including COPD.

2. 2. Infections

Severe lung infections, both viral and bacterial, in early childhood have proven to be linked with an increased COPD risk as they reduce lung function in adulthood. Tuberculosis, a chronic lung infection, is especially associated with COPD, as well as the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) which may progress the development of COPD caused by other factors. Another respiratory infection, bronchitis (an infection of the bronchi) is also a risk factor for COPD if it becomes chronic.

3. 3. Older Age

Unfortunately, the risk of developing the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease increases with age. Namely, COPD is a condition that develops over years and most diagnosed people are 40 or older when they get diagnosed. However, the aging itself isn’t a cause of COPD. It is the exposure to smoke, air pollutants, and recurrent infections that damage the lungs over the years.

4. 4. Socioeconomic Status

Here’s one surprising, yet logical, risk factor for developing COPD, especially during childhood. Studies have shown that the relationship between having a lower socioeconomic status and COPD is mainly due to poor nutrition, exposure to irritants, untreated lung infections, and the greater prevalence of smoking in lower socioeconomic groups.

5. 5. Being Female

Being female is yet another surprising COPD risk factor. In general, women are more sensitive to COPD risk factors compared to men. What’s more, they experience more severe COPD symptoms, longer years with COPD, and a greater risk of COPD-related death, though they tend to smoke less, both in quantity and duration. Experts claim that this is mainly because of women’s lower body weight and lung size so that any inhaled irritants have a stronger impact. Immune and hormonal differences also play a role.

The above-listed are major COPD risk factors. Other potential contributors to COPD include:

• Alpha-1-antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency – a rare genetic disorder causing a small number of COPD cases.
• Deficient lung function – complications or issues during gestation, birth, or childhood can affect lung function, leading to COPD.
• Nutrition – respiratory muscle strength and endurance can be reduced by malnutrition, a BMI (body mass index) lower than 21.

How to Prevent COPD?

If you are at risk of developing COPD, you’d better take some steps to reduce your risk of the disease. Here’s what you should do:

• Quit smoking if you smoke and avoid secondhand smoke exposure.
• Stay informed with all the latest flu and pneumonia vaccinations to protect against respiratory viruses.
• Use protective equipment and do safety training if you are exposed to irritants at your workplace.

Talk to your doctor about your risk factors or any symptoms you may have been experiencing.