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Smokings Concealed Friend(s): COPD


The conversation about the detrimental effects of smoking becomes more frequent by day. While many know smoking as a carcinogen, many are not aware of other diseases that come with smoking. This paper will look into Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) a progressive lung disease that many are not aware of. 


What is COPD? 

COPD is caused by long-term exposure to irritating smoke, fumes, dust, or chemicals. The leading cause? Cigarette smoke. Overall, cigarette smoking  accounts for 80 to 90% of COPD cases in the United States (Sethi et al.).  COPD occurs because of the airways and tiny sacs in the lungs losing the ability to stretch and shrink back, the walls between many of the air sacs are being destroyed, the walls of the airways becoming thick and inflamed, and the airways making more mucus than usual. These factors then lead to blockage and decreased airflow to the lungs.

Although it is known that COPD has mild symptoms in the early stages, later stages of the disease show symptoms such as losing weight, tiredness (fatigue), swollen ankles (edema), chest tightness, coughing up blood in serious cases (Asthma+Lung UK). Some additional symptoms are: a persistent cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, swelling in feet and legs. These symptoms sound similar to influenza or similar flu-variants, undermining the severity and progression of COPD symptoms in real life cases. With the wide array of symptoms, COPD  is commonly underdiagnosed (Ho et al.).

COPD has two branches under its tree: emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Emphysema occurs as a result of damage to the walls of the air sacs (alveoli), in the lungs. Observing the air sacs as a balloon, when you blow air into it, it expands and when it releases air, it compresses. When you give the balloon small space for air to come in and out, it has a hard time expanding or contracting. Relating this to the lungs, it shows what emphysema does to the lungs of COPD patients. In chronic bronchitis, which is known to be long-term, it is caused by repeated inflammation and irritation to the linings of the tubes, called bronchi, in the airway forming thick mucus making it harder to breathe. 


Secondhand Exposure and COPD 

While, we cannot ignore the other factors that lead to COPD, an example being in developing countries where exposure to fumes from churning coal can lead to COPD. Often caused by long-time exposure or a history of smoking, 1 in 4 Americans with COPD have never picked up a cigarette in their lifetime. This fact highlights the importance of the effects of second-hand smoke as COPD that can develop as a result. While many do not realize how their actions may impact others, the realization tends to be acknowledged down the line. Smoking and secondhand smoke exposure during childhood has various impacts on teens during their adolescence, slowing down lung health and development. Serious COPD may even limit your routine activities such as walking, cooking and doing basic hygiene actions. 


Risk Factors 

Risk factors for COPD can vary from genetics, workplace exposure, asthma, smoking, etc. An important side note is, people may have COPD due to genetic variations in their DNA which makes people more likely to develop COPD. Approximately 1-2% of the people living with COPD have the genetic form of emphysema. The genetic variation reduces the protein called alpha-1-antitrypsin (AAT). AAT is important to the body as it is made in the liver and released in the bloodstream to protect the lungs. Low levels of AAT, can cause liver damage or/and lung conditions such as COPD. When there is an AAT deficiency, symptoms can begin earlier.  


According to the U.S. Census clock, the United States approximately has 344 million people, and roughly more than 14 million people have COPD. Statistically, more women are affected by COPD than men. Rates are known to be higher than the average in rural areas. Lastly, COPD is known to be the 6th leading cause of death in the United States according to the CDC, which is a serious fact that should be kept in mind as this problem progresses. 


Takeaway

COPD is a progressive lung disease that is often preventable. Increasing awareness about smoking, secondhand smoke, environmental exposures, and genetic risk factors is essential for protecting lung health. Early education and prevention can make a lasting difference in quality of life.


Written by: Manija Sadriddinova

Edited by: Elif Basaran


References 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2025). Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Retrieved from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website: https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/campaign/tips/diseases/copd.html

Ho, T., Cusack, R. P., Chaudhary, N., Satia, I., & Kurmi, O. P. (2019). Under- and over-diagnosis of COPD: a global perspective. Breathe, 15(1), 24–35. https://doi.org/10.1183/20734735.0346-2018

Mayo Clinic. (2024, August 30). COPD. Retrieved from Mayo Clinic website: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/copd/symptoms-causes/syc-20353679

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2024, November 8). COPD - What is COPD? Retrieved from www.nhlbi.nih.gov website: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/copd

Sethi, J. M., & Rochester, C. L. (2000). SMOKING AND CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE. Clinics in Chest Medicine, 21(1), 67–86. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0272-5231(05)70008-3

 
 
 
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