Damage and inflammation to the lungs and airways cause chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Long-term exposure to toxic substances, such as cigarette smoke, is typically the cause. In this blog post, we look at the risk factors that raise the probability of you getting the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) encompasses chronic bronchitis and emphysema, resulting from prolonged exposure to irritants that damage the lungs and airways. Although tobacco usage is a significant contributor to COPD, the disease can also affect people who don't smoke.
Smoking
Cigarette smoking contributes to 85-90% of all COPD cases. There are about 7,000 compounds produced during the combustion of a single cigarette, many of which are toxic. Toxins in cigarettes reduce lung immunity to infection, constrict airways, swell air tubes, and damage air sacs, all of which exacerbate COPD.
Smoking is blamed for roughly 9 out of every 10 chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD) instances. The lungs and airways are particularly vulnerable to smoke's toxic compounds. To slow the progression of COPD, smoking cessation is highly recommended. In several studies, exposure to secondhand smoke (passive smoking) has also been linked to an increased risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Your Environment
The air quality where you work, live, and play can all contribute to the progression of COPD. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is caused by breathing in toxic air particles, secondhand smoke, dust, fumes, or chemicals over extended periods (typically at work).
Damage to the lungs and an increased incidence of COPD have been linked to occupational exposure to dust and chemicals. Certain chemicals have been connected to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
- Cadmium dust and fumes
- Silica dust
- Flour and grain dust
- Isocyanates
- Welding fumes
- Coal dust
If you smoke and are exposed to dust or fumes at work, you significantly increase your risk of developing the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Air Pollution
A higher chance of developing the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has been linked to a lifetime of exposure to polluted air. Air pollution may play a role in developing the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, but the connection is not yet proven.
Genetics
Alpha-1 deficiency-related emphysema is a distinctive form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The inability to manufacture a lung-protecting protein (Alpha-1) is the underlying cause of this chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Smoking and having a family member with COPD both increase your risk of developing the disease, suggesting that some people may be genetically predisposed to the condition.
The genetic predisposition to develop COPD, known as an alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency, affects about 1 in 100 patients. The protein alpha-1 antitrypsin helps keep your lungs healthy. As a result of its absence, lung injury is more likely to occur.
People with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency are more likely to develop the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) at an earlier age. Additional resources on alpha-1-antitrypsin insufficiency are available from the British Lung Foundation.
COPD Risk Factors
The leading cause of death from COPD, which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema, is smoking. You are more likely to acquire COPD and have a more rapid disease progression. Cigarette smoke contributes to between 85 and 90 percent of COPD cases. The mortality rate from COPD is about 13 times higher for women who smoke than nonsmokers and nearly 12 times higher for men who smoke.
Other causes of concern for the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease include:
- Exposure to air pollution
- Inhaling secondhand cigarette smoke
- Dealing with a toxic environment at work
- Alpha-1 deficiency is a genetic disorder
- An earlier history of respiratory illness
5 Steps to Lower Your Risk of Developing COPD
The risk of developing the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can be reduced by adhering to preventative measures.
- Please DO NOT SMOKE if you are currently a smoker. If you're a smoker, quitting is the best thing you can do for your health and longevity. To assist you in finally kicking the habit, the American Lung Association offers a variety of cessation services.
- Don't take up smoking if you don't already. In addition to causing lung cancer, heart disease, and other forms of cancer, smoking can also lead to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
- If you can, find a way to avoid being around people who are smoking. Remove any traces of tobacco smoke from your house. The safety of your loved ones and yourself will be ensured. Find out your legal protections for a smoke-free workplace or public space.
- It's important to keep an eye out for such threats. Wear appropriate respiratory protection at home and the workplace if you use chemicals or work around dust or fumes.
- Join the fight for clean air! Put in effort with your neighbors to improve the air quality around your home.