Medically Reviewed and Compiled by Dr. Adam N. Khan, MD.
Quick Answer: What Causes COPD?
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is primarily caused by long-term exposure to lung irritants. Cigarette smoking is the leading risk factor, responsible for the vast majority of cases. Other significant factors include secondhand smoke, environmental pollutants, workplace dust and chemicals, and a rare genetic condition known as Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. While smoking is the main trigger, nearly 25% of people with COPD have never smoked, highlighting the impact of air quality and genetics.
Risk Factors for COPD: What You Need to Know
COPD isn’t just a “smoker’s cough.” It is a serious lung condition that makes it hard to breathe, and it develops slowly over many years. Because the lungs are resilient, you might not notice the damage until it has already progressed. To protect your health, you need to understand the specific factors that put your lungs at risk.
1. Tobacco Smoke: The Primary Threat
By far, the biggest risk factor is smoking. Whether it is cigarettes, pipes, or cigars, inhaling burning tobacco fills the lungs with toxins. These toxins destroy the air sacs (emphysema) and inflame the airways (chronic bronchitis).
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), smoking accounts for as many as 8 out of 10 COPD-related deaths. The risk increases based on how many years you have smoked and how many packs you consumed daily.
2. Secondhand Smoke
You don’t have to be the one holding the cigarette to be at risk. Breathing in “passive smoke” from others can cause significant lung damage over time. This is especially dangerous for children or people living in households where others smoke regularly. Long-term exposure to secondhand smoke irritates the lining of the lungs and can lead to permanent scarring.
3. Occupational Dust and Chemicals
Many people are exposed to lung irritants at work. If your job involves breathing in vapors, chemical fumes, or organic dust (like grain or wood dust), your risk for COPD increases. Common high-risk industries include:
- Construction (silica and sawdust)
- Mining (coal dust)
- Manufacturing (plastics and textiles)
- Agriculture (pesticides and grain dust)
Using proper protective gear, such as N95 masks or respirators recommended by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), is vital for workers in these fields.
4. Air Pollution: Indoor and Outdoor
The air we breathe every day plays a massive role in lung health.
- Outdoor Pollution: Living in high-traffic urban areas with heavy smog and ozone can worsen lung function.
- Indoor Pollution: In many parts of the world, poorly ventilated homes that use wood, coal, or dung for cooking and heating create dangerous indoor air. Breathing these fumes daily is a leading cause of COPD in non-smokers.
5. Genetic Factors (Alpha-1 Deficiency)
In some cases, COPD is not caused by what you breathe, but by your DNA. Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) is a genetic condition where the body doesn’t produce enough of a protein that protects the lungs. Without this protein, the lungs can become damaged even if the person has never smoked. If you have a family history of early-onset lung disease, you can find testing resources through the Alpha-1 Foundation.
6. Age and Asthma
Most people diagnosed with COPD are at least 40 years old. As we age, our lung tissue naturally loses some elasticity, making it more susceptible to damage from irritants. Additionally, people with chronic asthma who smoke or are exposed to pollution have a significantly higher risk of developing “Asthma-COPD Overlap Syndrome.”
Medical Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read here.