Causes of COPD
Cigarette smoking
The most common cause of COPD is cigarette smoking. By giving up smoking early, a person can reduce the chances of developing COPD. If a COPD patient gives up smoking this can gradually slow down the progression of the disease. However, the damage from COPD is usually permanent.
Occupational Exposure
Exposure to coal dust, grain and various airborne chemicals can also cause COPD.
Climate and Air Pollution
Though this is considered of less importance, during periods of heavy atmospheric pollution the mortality rate from COPD increases significantly.
Additional causes in Emphysema
- Alpha1- Anti trypsin (AAT) Deficiency - is the deficiency of a "lung protector"protein Alpha1 Antitrypsin, which is thought to prevent the destruction of alveoli (by the action of controlling a natural enzyme called neutrophil elastase).
- AAT Deficiency can cause emphysema in non - smokers but the risk is increased dramatically in affected people who smoke and emphysema can develop in early middle age in these people. The lower lobes of the lungs are more severely affected.
- Senile Lung Changes (Senile Emphysema) - In a healthy older lung, physiological changes occur including stiffer chest wall, decreased elasticity of the lung tissue, weaker muscles of respiration and reduced ability to withstand infection. However these mild changes will not affect function and reduced function will only be likely to come from smoking- related changes and other lung disease.
- Congenital Disorders - e.g. lobar emphysema.
- Compensatory changes following lung collapse, scarring or resection (Removal of part of tissue).
- Partial bronchial obstruction - secondary to a tumour, enlarged lymph nodes or an inhaled foreign body into the bronchus.
- In rare cases - emphysema may result from childhood infections such as bronchiolitis before the age of 8 years.
