COPD - Causes

The main cause of COPD is smoking. Approximately 1 out of 4 smokers get COPD. Other things that may raise your chances of getting COPD include:

• Inhaling secondhand smoke
• Having problems with lung growth and development
• Working or living near pollution – like dust or chemicals
• Recurring respiratory infections

Problems such as lung growth and development are out of your control; the key is to control what you can. If you smoke, quitting is the most important thing you can do to help slow down your disease.

Next topic: Symptoms of COPD

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