Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease & genetics
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) is most commonly known to develop in those who have smoked tobacco for a long time. It is characterized by slow and irreversible decline in lung function making it difficult to breathe.
COPD currently affects around 16 million people.
New research has shown that COPD is not a selective disease just for smokers, but can also occur in non-smokers. A new study from the National Institute of Health looked at the influence of genes and their associated risk of developing COPD.
The lungs develop into an organized and well-oiled machine very early on in life. In one quarter of adults, variations in this development occur, and cause anatomical changes that can predispose both smokers and non-smokers to COPD. These changes can be seen on a routine lung CT scans done for cancer screening.
Researchers have also found a link between family genetics and COPD. This link has more relevance in the non-smoker population whom develop CODP. This finding could be a novel distinction that would become the gateway to more research and discoveries in this population.
With genetic factors and CT-scanning, the heightened risk of developing COPD for both smokers and non smokers can be detected early on. Appropriate counseling and education could be done at an earlier date to prevent and delay the development of COPD.
Learn more about this research at the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute
Questions: Are there smokers in your family? Did you know COPD is irreversible damage? How would you change your lifestyle if you knew you were at risk for COPD?
