Discuss the etiology of COPD in relation to cigarette smoking

Answer 1

Chronic bronchitis, one of the principal classifications of COPD, is diagnosed in persons with a productive cough and shortness of breath that last about 3 months or more each year for 2 or more years in a row. Cigarette smoking is the primary cause; the longer and more heavily a person smokes, the more likely it is that he or she will develop bronchitis. Secondhand smoke may also cause bronchitis. Chronic bronchitis is seen in people of all ages but is more common in individuals over the age of 45 . Females are more than twice as likely to be diagnosed with chronic bronchitis as males. Emphysema develops gradually over years, usually also as a result of exposure to cigarette smoke. Approximately 95% of Americans diagnosed with emphysema are 45 years of age or older. Given that not all smokers develop severe emphysema, their susceptibility or resistance may be linked to genetic factors.