The list of risk factors mentioned for COPD in various sources includes:
Cigarette smoking is the most important risk factor for COPD; it would probably be a minor health problem if people did not smoke. Other risk factors include age, heredity, exposure to air pollution at work and in the environment, and a history of childhood respiratory infections. Living in low socioeconomic conditions also seems to be a contributing factor. (Source: excerpt from What is COPD: NHLBI)
The following medical news items are relevant to risk factors for COPD:
Risk factors for COPD are factors that do not seem to be a direct cause of the disease, but seem to be associated in some way. Having a risk factor for COPD makes the chances of getting a condition higher but does not always lead to COPD. Also, the absence of any risk factors or having a protective factor does not necessarily guard you against getting COPD. For general information and a list of risk factors, see the risk center.
What do you think about the features of this website? Take our user survey and have your say:
Next articles:
Tools & Services:
Medical Articles:
Search Specialists by State and City
By using this site you agree to our Terms of Use. Information provided on this site is for informational purposes only; it is not intended as a substitute for advice from your own medical team. The information on this site is not to be used for diagnosing or treating any health concerns you may have - please contact your physician or health care professional for all your medical needs. Please see our Terms of Use.
Copyright © 2009 Health Grades Inc. All rights reserved.
Although post-surgery hospital time is as little as one week for some lung reduction patients, the full benefits of surgery may not be seen for...
"I authorize the release of any medical or other information necessary to process this claim." Do you recognize these words? You should, if...
Sexual contact can sometimes result in problems. An unwanted pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases may be some of those consequences. But by...
Stress takes its toll by making us anxious, depressed and not able to function as fully as we'd like. What many don't know is that stress can...