• Smoking: Smoking, both active and passive, is the most important risk factor for developing COPD. The more one smokes or is exposed to smoke, higher the risk.
• Occupational Hazard: People who work in places where there is excessive exposure to vapors, fumes, chemicals, etc., mines and mills tend to get their lungs inflamed and irritated.
• Smokers having Asthma: Asthma and smoking is a deadly combination and will definitely lead to COPD.
• Age: COPD tends to develop after 40 years of age. Although rarely, in case of the inherited protein deficiency, it can be manifested in young age also.