Causes of COPD (Cont.)

Causes of COPD: Genetic Factors

Genes, tiny bits of information in your cells passed on by your parents, may play a role in developing COPD.
 
In rare cases, COPD is caused by a gene-related disorder called alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency. Alpha 1 antitrypsin is a protein in your blood that inactivates destructive proteins. People with antitrypsin deficiency have low levels of alpha 1 antitrypsin; the imbalance of proteins leads to the destruction of the lung and can cause COPD. If people with this condition smoke, the disease progresses more rapidly.
 
 

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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD