Risk Factors
Things that increase your risk for COPD include those you can control, such as smoking, and others that you cannot control, such as a family history of COPD.
Risks you can control
Tobacco smoking is the most important risk factor for COPD. Compared to smoking, other risks are minor.
-
At least 10 to 15 out of every 100 cigarette smokers get COPD with symptoms. Some studies show that up to half of long-term smokers older than age 45 get COPD.
-
Pipe and cigar smokers have less risk of getting COPD than cigarette smokers, but they still have more risk than nonsmokers.
-
The risk for COPD increases with both the amount of tobacco you smoke each day and the number of years you have smoked.
For more information, see the topic Quitting Smoking.
Risks you can partly control
-
Outside air pollution. Air pollution may make COPD worse. It may increase the risk of a flare-up, or COPD exacerbation, when your symptoms quickly get worse and stay worse. Try not to be outside when air pollution levels are high.
-
Indoor air pollution. Have good ventilation in your home to avoid indoor air pollution.
-
Secondhand smoke. It is not yet known whether secondhand smoke can lead to COPD. But people who are exposed to secondhand smoke for a long time are more likely to have breathing problems and respiratory diseases.
-
Occupational hazards. If your work exposes you to chemical fumes or dust, use safety equipment to reduce the amount of fumes and dust you breathe.
-
Frequent, severe lung infections. Repeated lung infections, especially in childhood, may make you more likely to get COPD later in life.
Risks you can't control
-
Family history of COPD. Some people may be more at risk than others for getting the disease, especially if they have low levels of the protein alpha-1 antitrypsin (alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency), a disorder that runs in families.
-
Low birth weight. People born at a low birth weight are more likely than those of normal birth weight to have smaller lungs and therefore to have reduced lung function.
-
Asthma . People with asthma or with airways that narrow in response to environmental triggers, such as pollen, are more likely to get COPD.
