Lungnet

Who is at risk?

Most people who are at risk for getting COPD have never even heard of it and, in many cases, don't even realize that the condition has a name.  Some of the things that put you at risk for COPD include:

Smoking

COPD most often occurs in people aged 40 and over with a history of smoking.  This includes people who currently smoke and people who have quit.  Smoking is the most common cause of COPD. 

Environmental Exposure

COPD can also occur in people who have had long-term exposure to things that can irritate your lungs, like certain chemicals, dust, or fumes in the workplace.  Heavy or long-term exposure to secondhand smoke or other air pollutants may also contribute to COPD.

Genetic Factors

In some people, COPD is caused by a genetic condition known as alpha-1 antitrypsin, or AAT, deficiency.  People with AAT deficiency can get COPD even if they have nevere smoked or had long-term exposure to harmful pollutants. 

Gender Factors

Women may be at greater risk than men of COPD from exposures at work and are more susceptible to COPD due to smaller lungs and airways and more sensitive airways. {Petty T. The Rising Epidemic of COPD in Women:  Why women are more susceptible; how treatment should differ.  Women's Health in Primary Care Dec 1999; 2(12)}

What are the symptoms? 

COPD generally affects people over 40 with a history of smoking.  The main symptoms of COPD include:

• Shortness of breath on minimal exertion
• A repetitive cough with phlegm / mucus most days (sometimes called a smoker's cough)
• Not being able to take a deep breath

Many people mistake their symptoms of COPD as signs of ageing or asthma.  Without realizing it, people may cut back or stop doing some activities to prevent problems with breathlessness.  As symptoms progress, however, simple daily tasks like showering or even dressing can become almost impossible. 

Recent research (Abramson) shows that as many as 1 in 6 people over 45 have COPD.  Alarmingly, however, 3 out of 4 (Frith) of those with COPD do not know they have it and are therefore not taking the steps to stem the progress of the condition.

If you can answer YES to 3 or more of these questions, you may have COPD.

• Do you cough several times most days?
• Do you bring up phlegm or mucous most days?
• Do you get out of breath more easily than others your age?
• Are you over 45 years old?
• Are you a smoker or ex-smoker?

It's not normal to be out of breath.  If you answered YES to three or more of the above questions, you should speak to your doctor about a lung function (spirometry) test.