Risk factors

Josyann Abisaab In developed countries, smoking contributes to 95 of cases of COPD, being the most prevalent risk factor. Other factors commonly associated with COPD are: Gene Distribution PiZZ in Europe. Host factors: Genetic factors: There are numerous reports that in the pathogenesis of COPD are or should be involved several environmental genetic factors. Assuming that only 15-20 of smokers develop the disease, it is logical to think that genetics must play an important role in individual susceptibility. However, the Framingahm study suggests that in the general population, genetic factors contribute little in the loss of lung function, with expiratory flow in one second (FEV1) influenced mainly by a locus on chromosome 6 .Established a genetic factor in COPD is a deficiency of 1-antitrypsin ( 1-AT) or protease inhibitor ( 1-PI), although the deficiency of 1 (allele ZZ 1-antitrypsin gene-PIZZA) occurs in less than 1 of cases (see picture) Diet: A poor intake in antioxidant vitamins (A, C, E) is sometimes associated with an increased risk of COPD and in more recent studies is contemplating the importance of vitamin C and magnesium. There is some evidence that diets rich in fish oil are linked to a lower prevalence of COPD, although similar studies have not confirmed these findings. Flavonoids from fruits and vegetables if they seem beneficial Good nutrition from the first years of life is very important and newborns are underweight for their gestational age have increased risk of developing COPD in later stages.