Browse Conditions: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

What causes Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease?

COPD develops due to:

Cigarette smoking
Inhaling toxins or other irritants
Genetic predisposition that can make a person's lungs more susceptible to damage from smoke or pollutants (includes alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency)

Next: Risk factors for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease