Causes of Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

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Inhalation of tobacco smoke. It is the principal cause of COPD.

Passive smoker. There is consistently more risk to the passive smoker, especially during childhood.

Genetic and environmental factors. COPD is an example of the interaction between genetic and environmental factors, as different genes probably contribute to the development of the disease.

Other risk factors are:

Biomass. In some countries it is used as domestic fuel. The continued use of this type of fuel in poorly ventilated homes could be a cause of COPD in non-smokers.

Dusts (cereals, metallurgy) and chemical products (vapours, irritant substances and gases). In the work place they can cause COPD.

Substantiated information by:

Nestor Soler Porcar Pneumologist Pneumology Department

Núria Seijas Babot Nurse Hospital at Home

Published: 20 February 2018
Updated: 20 February 2018

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