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The mysterious cause of COPD: What other risk factors do you know besides smoking?
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive lung disease characterized by persistent breathing symptoms and airway restriction. According to the 2024 GOLD definition, COPD is a heterogeneous lung disease characterized by persistent air flow impairment due to different abnormalities of the airways (e.g., bronchitis, bronchiolitis) or alveoli (e.g., emphysema). While COPD cannot be cured, it can be prevented and treated.
The most common types of COPD are emphysema and chronic bronchitis, which have been considered the classic phenotypes of COPD.
Most people believe that the biggest risk factor for COPD is smoking, but this is just the tip of the iceberg. In a growing body of research, more risk factors are being recognized, such as indoor and outdoor air pollution, occupational exposures, and genetic factors (such as alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency). Especially in developing countries, households using coal and biomass (such as wood and dried dung) for cooking and heating often cause serious indoor air pollution.
Other potential risk factors for COPDUnderstanding the risk factors for COPD is crucial for early intervention. In addition to smoking, what other potential risk factors should be paid attention to?
1. Air pollutionAir pollution is one of the important causes of COPD. Studies have shown that people living in cities are more likely to suffer from COPD than those living in rural areas. Long-term exposure to airborne particles, such as black carbon, increases the risk of hospitalization due to COPD exacerbations.
2. Occupational exposurePeople who work in certain occupations (such as construction workers or farmers) who are frequently exposed to substances that can irritate the lungs, such as dust and chemicals, may also be at increased risk of developing COPD.
3. Genetic factorsGenetic factors are also one of the risk factors for COPD, the most well-known of which is alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. This genetic disease affects the body's production of an enzyme that protects the lungs. A deficiency in this enzyme may lead to early emphysema and COPD.
4. Other symptoms
COPD is often comorbid with other medical conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, metabolic syndrome and anxiety disorders. The symptoms of these diseases may further worsen the health condition of COPD and increase the risk of hospitalization.
Treatments for COPD
Although there is currently no cure for COPD, some treatments can help alleviate the disease, such as:
- Quit smoking: This is the first step in COPD treatment.
- Medication: Inhaled bronchodilators and steroids can control symptoms.
- Pulmonary rehabilitation: physical fitness and disease management education for patients.
- Oxygen therapy: Some patients require long-term oxygen therapy.
Evidence shows that for COPD patients, early identification and treatment are key to improving quality of life.
As the number of COPD patients increases year by year worldwide, the public health challenges posed by this disease are becoming increasingly apparent. According to 2019 data, COPD caused approximately 3.2 million deaths, 80% of which occurred in low- and middle-income countries. If these risk factors are not controlled more strictly, will the number of COPD patients increase further in the future?
