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 : 51M : 18S
background image
Click Here
background image
Lung & Breathing Conditions
Question #25495
45 days ago
92

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.

18992 answered questions
91% 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.


health impact of air pollution
how to cure lungs
chronic respiratory disease
what are effects of air pollution on humans?
Fluid and Air Build up in the lungs
cough syrup benefits
causes of copd disease
Heavy feeling in chest and difficulty breathing after eating
How can I get rid of breathing trouble?
copd and asthma difference
Cough with phlegm and chest pain after using asthma inhaler – is this normal?”
disease caused by air pollution are
lungs problem symptom
can we drink mosambi juice in cough and cold
causes of lung infection
what is the best over the counter medicine for copd
Advice for Managing Persistent Shortness of Breath
can i smoke in fever
information about asthma
asthma copd difference
lung diseases list
breathing problem due to cough
how to use adulsa leaves for cough
Feeling Weak with Chest Pressure and Throat Pain
what not to eat during cough
how to treat allergic bronchitis naturally
Had TB and covid. Feeling breathlessness
what is the impact of air pollution on human health
is sugarcane juice good for cough
prevention of pneumonia
Chest Tightness and Breathing Difficulties
Persistent Coughing for Two Weeks
can copd be reversed
asthma kya hota h
precautions of pneumonia
child asthma symptoms
how to stop wheezing without inhaler
pulmonary rehabilitation
is wheezing bad
is pineapple juice good for cough
air pollution effects on humans
كيف اعرف أن الوجع خطيرومحتاج دكتور
how to clean lungs after smoking naturally
effect of air pollution on human health
respiratory disease
can bronchitis turn into pneumonia
Feeling heaviness in the chest and difficulty belching
breathing problem treatment
eye flue symptoms
breathing problem solution
air pollution and human health
which food is good during cough
swasari kwath how to use
Severe Shoulder and Chest Pain with Breathing Difficulties
what is eucalyptus oil used for
كيف اعرف أن الوجع خطيرومحتاج دكتور
How to manage breathing difficulties..
Respiratory problem
effect of air pollution on human being
Breathing Difficulties After Substance Use
what are respiratory diseases
lung infection causes
पुरानी खांसी (कफ के साथ) के इलाज के लिए परामर्श
how long does bronchitis last
azithromycin use
can i smoke cigarettes when i have a cold
copd and asthma
asthma symptoms and treatment
I have cough I’m a smoker when I deep breath I cough
“I often yawn and feel like I’m not getting enough breath. After yawning I feel dizzy and short of breath. This happens often.reason?
Asthma problems 40 year old woman
how to cure bronchitis permanently
Facing breathing problem since last1-2 months
Breathing problem chest pain or
respiratory disease symptoms
electric vape side effects
can asthma go away
chest diseases
acid fast staining is also known as
pneumonia prevention
Advice on Managing Persistent Shortness of Breath
lung related diseases
I have breathing issues which comes and goes
Sharp Chest Pain When Coughing
symptoms of respiratory diseases
disease related to lungs
Persistent Coughing Affecting Quality of Life
how to stop wheezing immediately
can bronchitis kill you
copd vs bronchial asthma
pulmonologist
what to avoid during cough
what is the best medicine for copd?
winter smoke
is burning camphor good for health
how to treat bronchitis
Sharp Pain in Right Chest When Coughing
how to unblock your nose instantly naturally
common respiratory diseases
precautions in pneumonia