COPD Isn't Just a Smoker's Disease—Here's What You're Missing

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) isn't contagious. But people with COPD can transmit other infections when they cough. They may also have a greater risk of serious illness from a respiratory infection.

COPD is a group of chronic lung conditions that can make breathing harder. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that it affects about 16 million people in the United States.

COPD includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Both can lead to coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and congestion.

What causes COPD?

Long-term exposure to air that contains lung irritants is the leading cause of COPD.

In the United States, cigarette smoke is the most common lung irritant. About 75% of people who develop COPD smoke or used to smoke.

Other lung irritants that may contribute to COPD include: - Secondhand smoke - Air pollution - Chemical fumes in the environment or workplace - Smoke from cooking in poorly ventilated spaces

Who's at risk of COPD?

Long-term smoking is the leading risk factor for COPD. In a 2018 study, current and former smokers with COPD smoked an average of 24.3 cigarettes per day for 36.4 years. While smoking for any duration can harm your lungs, smoking many cigarettes for a long time greatly increases your risk of COPD.

Still, the American Lung Association notes that 1 in 4 people with COPD have never smoked. Other risk factors for COPD include: - Genetics - Asthma - Age over 40 years - Exposure to secondhand smoke or smoke from coal or a wood-burning stove

How can I reduce my risk of COPD?

Many COPD cases are preventable. Consider avoiding the following to reduce your risk: - Smoking - Secondhand smoke - Pollutants - Other lung irritants like chemical dust and fumes

How can people with COPD reduce the risk of transmitting other infections?

While COPD isn't transmissible by coughing, people with COPD can still transmit another infection that spreads through coughing, like the cold or flu.

People with COPD may also have a higher risk of complications from infectious lung diseases, so protecting against them is important.

Consider the following tips to help stay healthy and avoid passing on infections: - Cover coughs and sneezes. - Consider getting the vaccines your doctor recommends. - Stay home when you don't feel well. - Wash your hands often. - Disinfect frequently touched surfaces in your home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is chronic bronchitis contagious?

Acute (short-term) bronchitis (a chest cold) can be contagious because a virus or bacteria causes it.

Chronic bronchitis isn't contagious because germs aren't the cause. It develops over time due to environmental factors like cigarette smoking and pollutants.

Is COPD curable?

There's currently no cure for COPD. However, you can manage your symptoms and slow disease progression with treatments such as medication, pulmonary rehabilitation, and surgery if needed.

What is the life expectancy of someone with COPD?

A 2020 study that followed people with COPD for 10 years found the following loss of life expectancy based on the COPD stage: - Severe stage: loss of 8-9 years - Moderate stage: loss of 6 years - Mild stage: no loss of life expectancy

Still, it's important to know that life expectancy can differ for everyone. How long you can live with COPD depends on the severity of your symptoms and the stage of the condition. With early, effective treatment, you can live for many years after a COPD diagnosis.

Is COPD hereditary?

While COPD isn't typically hereditary, you may inherit a protein deficiency called alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD). People with AATD may have a higher risk of COPD and other lung diseases.

Takeaway

One person can't transmit COPD to another. But COPD can cause someone to cough a lot, increasing their risk of transmitting other infections like the cold and flu.

People with COPD may also have a higher risk of complications from respiratory infections. Taking protective steps, such as covering coughs and sneezes, washing your hands frequently, and sanitizing commonly touched surfaces, can help reduce the risk of infections.