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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.