Most COPD is caused by inhalation of pollutants. Including:
• Smoking (LEADING CAUSE IN U.S.) and second-hand smoke - ~90% of those with COPD have a history of smoking;
• Chemicals, fumes, dust in occupational environments - especially those who have had long term exposure
• In the developing world, breathing cooking fuel or poorly vented heating fumes
Being over 40 years old and male. Although most COPD deaths are women
Genetics. ~1% of those with COPD have a deficiency of liver-produced, lung-protective alpha-1 antitrypsin protein (AAt), which is the most commonly known genetic risk for emphysema - with the result that white blood cells (WBCs) are able to harm the lungs
>90% of bronchial infections are caused by a virus
Albert, RH (1 December 2010). "Diagnosis and treatment of acute bronchitis.".American family physician(11): 1345-50. PubMed
