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What causes it?
There are a number of causes.
- Smoking
Smoking is the primary cause of COPD. People who smoke are the ones most likely to have
this special lung condition.
- Working around certain chemicals and indoor air pollution
People who work indoors, around burning wood and coal, are at greater risk for this health
problem.
- Genes
Having a mutation in a gene that protects lung tissue from being damaged may also put you at risk for COPD. This gene is called SERPINA1. It has also been referred to as Alpha-1.
When you have COPD, here's what happens inside your lungs:
- COPD tends to occur when your lungs are damaged by smoke or chemicals.
- Because of the damage, your lungs slowly begin to lose their ability to empty out all of the
air they take in.
- Since your lungs can't get all of the air out, they also can't fully take in enough oxygen.
- This causes some of the symptoms like shortness of breath and coughing.
This resource is part of an educational initiative sponsored by
Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals Inc., and Pfizer Inc.
Create Date: 3/31/08
Date Last Updated: 3/31/08
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