What is the primary cause of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)?

Smoking is recognized as the primary cause of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). The harmful chemicals in tobacco smoke lead to inflammation and damage in the airways and lung tissue over time. This chronic exposure results in a progressive decline in lung function, characteristic of COPD, making it a leading contributor to both the development and exacerbation of the disease.

While air pollution, genetic factors, and occupational exposure are significant contributors to the risk of developing COPD, none have the same level of impact as smoking. They can act as aggravating factors or co-morbidities, but smoking remains the predominant cause among COPD patients, underscoring the importance of smoking cessation as a primary intervention in managing and preventing the disease.