What is considered the leading cause of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)?

The leading cause of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is smoking. This is primarily due to the harmful effects of the various toxic substances found in cigarette smoke, including tar and other irritants that lead to chronic inflammation, damage to lung tissue, and subsequent airflow limitation. Smoking is responsible for the majority of COPD cases and is a modifiable risk factor, meaning that cessation can significantly reduce the progression of the disease and improve lung function.

While genetic factors, air pollution, and aging can contribute to the development and exacerbation of COPD, they are not as significant as smoking. Genetic factors may play a role in certain individuals, particularly those with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, but this is relatively rare. Air pollution can worsen existing conditions and may contribute to the overall lung health of populations, but its impact is not as direct or predominant as that of smoking. Aging is an inevitable factor in the development of many chronic diseases, including COPD, as lung function typically declines over time; however, it is the cumulative effect of risk exposure, especially smoking, that most significantly drives the onset of COPD.