COPD is often referred to as a “smoker’s disease” however although smoking is one of the main risk factors for developing COPD, people who never smoke may also develop COPD. Other risk factors may include:
A history of childhood respiratory infections
Smoke exposure from coal or wood burning stove
Exposure to secondhand smoke
People with a history of asthma
People who have underdeveloped lungs
Those who are age 40 and older as lung function declines as you age
While these causes and risk factors may increase your risk of developing COPD, people living in poverty and people living in rural areas are more likely to develop COPD. Beyond smoking status, some reasons for the increased risk of developing COPD may include exposures to indoor and outdoor pollutants, occupational exposures and lack of access to healthcare.
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