Article
Susceptibility to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Journal of COPD Management
(2003)
Abstract
Although exposure to tobacco smoke is the primary risk factor for the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), fewer than 25% of smokers develop the disease and about 15% of COPD-related mortality occurs in never-smokers, suggesting that there are other risk factors involved. These include reduced lung growth during childhood; airway hyperresponsiveness, possibly with an allergic component; asthma; early childhood infection; and noxious environmental agents. Genetic factors also play a role. This article examines the currently available data on COPD susceptibility.
Disciplines
Publication Date
August, 2003
Citation Information
David M. Mannino. "Susceptibility to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease" Journal of COPD Management Vol. 4 Iss. 2 (2003) Available at: http://works.bepress.com/david_mannino/223/