You may have heard COPD called by other names, like chronic bronchitis or emphysema. These diseases are usually considered to be part of COPD, and it's possible to have one or both. Outside or environmental factors are usually the causes of COPD. Finding out—and avoiding—those that put you at risk is an important first step. Some of the major contributors to developing COPD include the following:
Smoking is the largest contributing factor for developing COPD. COPD occurs most often in people age 40 and over with a history of smoking (either current or former). About 80% to 90% of all COPD is caused by cigarette smoking.
Environmental exposure COPD can also occur in people who have had long-term exposure to things that can irritate the lungs, like certain chemicals, dust, or fumes in the workplace. Heavy or long-term exposure to secondhand smoke or other air pollutants may also put you at risk for getting COPD.
Genetic factors A small number of people have been found to lack a certain blood protein (alpha-1 antitrypsin, or AAT), which has been linked to COPD. At the same time, not everyone who lacks this blood protein develops COPD.
In addition to smoking, environmental exposure, and genetic factors, a history of severe childhood respiratory infections are often associated with breathing problems later in life, including COPD.
The importance of quitting smoking.
If you want to reduce your chances of getting COPD—or lessen the severity of a COPD prognosis, the sooner you quit smoking, the better.1 If you already have COPD, quitting smoking may help you regain some lung function. However, it's important to remember that the benefits of quitting can be quickly lost if you start smoking again.
Although smoking is one of the most difficult addictions to overcome, millions of people have successfully used smoking cessation programs to help them quit permanently. Talk with your healthcare provider about stop-smoking programs, quitting strategies, and medications that are available to help you kick the smoking habit.
To get more information and help on how to quit smoking, click here.
What else can I do besides quitting smoking?
In addition to quitting smoking, your healthcare provider may suggest additional lifestyle adjustments to better manage your COPD. They may prescribe a short-acting "rescue" medication to control the sudden onset of symptoms, or a longer-acting "maintenance" medication like BROVANA to control symptoms for up to 12 hours. Ask your healthcare provider which of these treatment options could be right for you.