Causes and Risk Factors of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD)

Excerpted from The Comfort of Home: A Complete Guide for CaregiversTM

  • 88% helpful
  •  
  •  3 Comments
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  E-Mail
  •  

cigarette_in_hand

The most common cause of COPD is cigarette smoking; about 20 percent of smokers develop lung disease. Other causes of COPD are:

  • breathing in dust and chemicals (vapors, irritants, and fumes), and coal dust or silica at work
  • indoor air pollution from cooking fuels and heating in poorly ventilated homes
  • secondhand smoke
  • childhood lung infections that can lead to problems in adulthood
  • inherited factors
Was this article helpful?
Share this

Add Your Comment

View 3 comments
Default_avatar
Stay Connected With Caring.com

Receive the latest news and tips in your inbox

Join our social communities: