Am I At Risk Of Getting COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)?

Are you a smoker or have you ever smoked?

Are you exposed to secondhand smoke (smoke in the air from other people's smoking)?

Are you exposed to chemical fumes and dusts from the environment or workplace?

Do you live in a highly polluted environment?

Do you have a family history of COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)?

Do you have a history of frequent childhood lung infections?

As far as you know, do you have alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (a genetic condition)?

Do you have asthma?

Are you obese?

Are you over 45 and rarely engage in physical activity?

Based on your answers you have a low risk of getting COPD or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. COPD is a progressive lung disease that lasts a lifetime with symptoms that gradually worsen. It is characterized by varying degrees of respiratory problems caused by inflammation and increased mucus production in the airways. The main cause of COPD in the United States is cigarette smoking. It affects about 16 million Americans, but it is estimated that there are also millions of people who have COPD but have not yet been diagnosed. Also, women are more susceptible to lung damage from cigarette smoke than men.

Based on your answers you have a moderate risk of getting COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). COPD is an inflammatory lung condition that is caused by long-term smoking and exposure to various irritants. Although smoking remains a major cause of COPD, chemical fumes, vapors and dust in the workplace can also lead to irritation and inflammation of the airways. People with asthma who are exposed to secondhand smoke or are smokers themselves have an increased risk of COPD. The most effective way to prevent COPD is to never smoke, or if you are a smoker to quit smoking. There are smoking cessation programs that can help you.

Based on your answers you have a high risk of getting COPD. COPD of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a long-term lung inflammation that is characterized by irreversible narrowing of the airways and obstruction of airflow. Over time, people with COPD may experience episodes of severe breathing difficulties. In some people, COPD is caused by a rare genetic disorder called alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency. The incidence of inflammatory lung diseases such as COPD is increasing in women. Women's lungs are more vulnerable to damage caused by tobacco smoke, and it is considered that the hormone estrogen can contribute to the worsening of the disease.