Causes of COPD
The most common cause of COPD is cigarette smoking. Other elements that may lead to the development of COPD are:
- Work-related dusts and chemicals and things in the environment, such as coal dust or silica
- Indoor air pollution from fuels used for cooking and heating in poorly ventilated homes
- Second-hand smoke may add to breathing problems and COPD
- Some patients who develop COPD have an inherited disorder called alpha-antitrypsin deficiency. This disorder can be detected by a blood test
- Childhood respiratory infections may be linked with decreased lung function and increased breathing problems in adulthood
