AskDocDoc
FREE!Ask Doctors — 24/7
Connect with Doctors 24/7. Ask anything, get expert help today.
500 doctors ONLINE
#1 Medical Platform
Ask question for free
00H : 22M : 18S
background image
Click Here
background image
Lung & Breathing Conditions
Question #25495
92 days ago
175

what causes copd - #25495

Rhea

I am really worried about what causes COPD since my dad was diagnosed with it last year and it's been super tough on him and us. He used to be a heavy smoker, but he quit almost a decade ago. Now he has this constant cough, feels short of breath even with small activities, and gets these strange wheezes sometimes. I looked into what causes COPD because I thought maybe there were other reasons for it? I mean, he's in his 60s and has some other health issues, like high blood pressure and last year he also mentioned he had a minor heart issue. The doctors keep saying that smoking is a big factor on what causes COPD, but I wonder if things like pollution or even previous exposure to chemicals might contribute to his condition too? He worked in a factory for most of his life, and I know they used some pretty harsh substances there. I just don’t get why it seems to affect him so badly now when he has been quit for so long. Are there any other factors involved in what causes COPD that I should look out for? What can we do to help him manage this? Please, any info would really help!

FREE
Question is closed
FREE! Ask a Doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential.
No sign-up needed.
CTA image asteriksCTA image

Doctors' responses

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) primarily results from long-term exposure to irritating gases or particulate matter, with cigarette smoking being the principal contributing factor. It’s common that symptoms show up long after a person has quit smoking, as COPD is a progressive disease that develops gradually. Apart from smoking, other factors can indeed contribute. Prolonged exposure to occupational dust and chemicals, like in your dad’s factory job, can significantly increase the risk. Air pollution and genetic factors, like a deficiency in the protein alpha-1 antitrypsin, can also play a part, although these are less common causes. The fact he stopped smoking can help slow down the disease’s progression, but the damage already done continues to manifest over time. For management, it’s critical to focus on symptom control and improving quality of life. Pulmonary rehabilitation programs can be very beneficial; they combine exercise, education, and support, tailored to individual needs. Your dad should maintain regular follow-ups with his healthcare provider to optimize medication strategies; inhalers and bronchodilators are often used to ease breathing. It’s also essential to keep his vaccinations up to date, especially against influenza and pneumonia, to prevent infections that could exacerbate COPD. Additionally, ensuring a healthy lifestyle is important; balanced nutrition, regular but moderate physical activity (as tolerated), and avoiding exposure to lung irritants (like second-hand smoke and strong fumes) could be helpful. Because comorbidities like high blood pressure and heart issues may complicate the picture, these should also be managed under medical guidance to minimize overall health risks.

20040 answered questions
90% best answers
Accepted response

0 replies
FREE! Ask a Doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymously

Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.

About our doctors

Only qualified doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.


what are the causes of copd
common respiratory diseases
How can I get rid of breathing trouble?
can allergies cause wheezing
copd is caused by
breathing issue
Cough for a month
what not to eat during cough
how to reverse pulmonary hypertension naturally
Facing breathing problem since last1-2 months
breathing problem reasons
Feeling Weak with Chest Pressure and Throat Pain
home remedies for shortness of breath and wheezing
Breathing problem
How to reduce my asthama while iam doing gym
is wheezing bad
My Breathing sometimes come to a halt
how to cure bronchitis fast
Having difficulty in breathing.
Ik heb constant de behoefte om te hoesten, wat kan ik doen?
during cough what to eat
what are the effect of air pollution on human health
breathe problem
Persistent lump under collarbone with cough and fatigue
lung diseases list
Pulmonology related
How to reduce chest pain and fainting
Concerns About Asthma and COPD Treatment Effectiveness
chest related disease
Tuberculosis medicine I want to start my course
effect of air pollution on human being
copd and asthma difference
diseases related to respiratory system
effects of air pollution on humans
impact of pollutants on human health
how to use camphor for cold
chronic respiratory disease
asthma konsi bimari hai
why my right side chest is paining
what to eat in dry cough
I got fed up with my chesty cough took augmentin antibiotics can i switch to amoxicillin prescribed by doctor
chest diseases
child asthma symptoms
air pollution effects on humans
Feeling heavy after drinking cold water continuously
lung diseases symptoms
breathing issues reasons
noida allergy asthma chest care
pulmonologist
how to stop wheezing without inhaler
how many types of pranayama are there
reason for breathing problems
pneumonia precautions
about respiratory diseases
lungs diseases
best home remedies
Heavy breathing
Breathing problem chest pain or
breathing problem symptoms
does bronchitis go away on its own
asthma symptoms tamil
Nefes darlii
copd and asthma
Breathing Issues After Indoor Climbing
break up blood
polluted air is dash for health
what is the best medicine for copd?
how to treat asthma
nimonia kaise hota hai
can i smoke cigarettes when i have a cold
which food is good during cough
lungs affected symptoms
vape effects
causes of copd disease
is sugarcane juice good for cough
lung problem symptoms
eye flue symptoms
can bronchitis turn into pneumonia
azithromycin use
health impact of air pollution
effect of air pollution on human health
Respiratory problem
Cough with phlegm and chest pain after using asthma inhaler – is this normal?”
how to do pranayama
pulmonologist specialist
what is hyssop used for
Precautions
copd shortness of breath
disadvantages of vaping
why i can't breathe properly
What to do for severe breathing problems and frequent coughing with inhaler use in the last 4 years?
asthma symptoms and treatment
lung disease symptoms
what is pulmonary rehabilitation
What are the effects of air pollution on health?
Occure problem in coughing.... ..
breathing problem due to cough
Sharp Chest Pain When Coughing
Severe Shoulder and Chest Pain with Breathing Difficulties
how to cure asthma forever