COPD is a chronic progressive lung disease

COPD is a chronic lung disease. COPD progressively damages the respiratory system. The airways (breathing tubes) are narrowed, and breathing becomes more and more difficult.

Tobacco is the main cause

The main cause of COPD is the inhalation of tobacco smoke over many years. Either by smoking, or by passively breathing tobacco smoke.

Smokes, dusts, chemicals are other causes

There are other possible causes of COPD:

• smoke from wood or coal burning
• air pollution
• exhaust gases
• chemical fumes
• fine dust from the environment or the workplace

So that even people who have never smoked may develop COPD.

Several professional sectors present risks:

• mining, steel, foundry industry
• chemical industry
• construction works
• textile industry
• agriculture industry

COPD is not hereditary, nor contagious

Only in very rare cases, a genetic defect can be responsible for COPD (it is called alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency). This is enhanced by the effect of tobacco.

COPD is not caused by a virus or a bacteria, and COPD is not contagious, but smoking can affect people nearby.

To protect your health, try to avoid breathing smokes, exhaust gases, and use protective masks if you are exposed to dust or chemical fumes at work.