Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, also known as COPD, is a group of chronic lung diseases that obstructs air intake. Approximately 12 million Americans have COPD. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), an estimated one in 20 deaths in the United States can be attributed to COPD in 2005, with smoking the etiology for at least 75 percent of these deaths. There is no cure for COPD, and the disease progressively gets worse over time. However, treatment can help to control the symptoms. Risk factors include smoking, age and medical history, hereditary and environmental exposure to hazardous substances.
Smoking
Smoking is the number one risk factor for COPD. It is estimated that it takes about 10 years of smoking before symptoms start to surface. According to the American Lung Association, a substance within the smoke inflames the lungs and this inflammation then destroys alveoli and constricts airway passages. These alveoli are little air sacs that are crucial to normal air flow.
Age and History
Age is a risk factor because people typically get diagnosed after 40 years of age--remember, this is a progressive disorder that occurs over time. A medical history of multiple respiratory infections as a child is another risk factor.
Genes
Recognition of heredity as a risk factor is relatively new. A rare genetic disorder, alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency-related emphysema (AAT), also known as familial emphysema, can cause obstructive pulmonary disease. AAT apparently is due to an inherited deficiency of this specified protein (AAT); consequently, alveoli of the respiratory system are destroyed.
Environment
Exposure to chemicals, vapors or other substances that can chronically inflame the lungs is another consideration, which usually occurs in the context of being a work-related hazard. In addition to the work environment, some risk is associated with being exposed to severe pollutants in a person's living environment, although this remains a matter of debate.
