I’m 43 and a non-smoker. None of my family members or friends smoke, either. Why did I get diagnosed with COPD?

Although COPD is more common in people who smoke or have smoked, there are many other risk factors and causes for COPD. Prolonged exposure to polluted air (due to burning coal / wood or industrial air pollutants) and infectious diseases that destroy lung tissue in patients with hyperactive airways or asthma also may contribute to causing COPD. Genetic factors may also be responsible for COPD.