Who gets COPD?

Why do people get copd and what causes it?

The damage to the lungs of COPD patients is usually caused by smoking. Statistics show that tobacco smoke is implicated in 85 - 90% of COPD cases. This means that the condition is largely preventable by not smoking.

The course of disease's progression may be slowed if smoking stops. It is very important that people with COPD do not continue to smoke after diagnosis.

A small proportion of people who develop COPD have never smoked. These people may have been exposed to industrial dusts in their work or they may have an inherited genetic deficiency called Alpha-1 Antitrypsin. 

This deficiency is the only hereditary risk factor known to cause COPD. Severe Alpha-1 Antritrypsin Deficiency is a recessive trait most common in individuals of Northern European origin. In smokers with the deficiency, it is is associated with an accelerated development of the disease.

The good news is that there are plenty of COPD support groups, and other organisations around New Zealand that want to help and support you. Find out more...