Is COPD Passed On Genetically? Know Your Risk Factors

Written By: Indus Health Plus Doctors Team

Medically Reviewed | Based on Clinical Guidelines

Last Updated : 05 Jun 2021

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) consists of several diseases related to the lungs. The most common ones being emphysema - injury to the air sacs in the lungs, and chronic bronchitis - swelling and mucus accumulation in the airways. Your family history and lifestyle habits can be responsible for the development of COPD.

COPD Risk factors

Smoking, both passive and first-hand stands as the number one risk factor for developing COPD. Apart from that, you can also get COPD if you have been exposed to:

chemical/fuel fumes dust air pollution

Can COPD be hereditary?

COPD is rarely hereditary, but not zero. Sometimes genetics do have a role in the development of COPD. Some gene variants related to lung cancer also raise the risk for COPD.

Although COPD is mainly caused by the irritants your lungs get exposed to via the respiration process, like smoke or pollution, not all smokers develop COPD. This gene variant can also cause liver damage, and in the case of smokers, continued smoking can make the condition worse.

How to know your predisposition for COPD?

An at-home genetic test can prove useful to know your genetic risks for COPD and other fatal diseases. Such a test reports your genetic risk scores for various parameters related to your health, nutrition, fitness, habits, and traits. Your DNA/genes make you, you - hence, understanding your genes can open a path to enable you to take care of yourself better, in a more personalized manner.

How to prevent COPD from developing?

• The best way to prevent development of COPD is to not smoke, and if you do, quit it
• If you have a fireplace, keep the room optimally ventilated
• Wear a mask in the regions that have high air pollution, smog, or wildfire
• Stay away from tobacco smoke/passive smoking
• Find out if you have a family history of COPD
• Know your genetic risk for COPD with a genetic test

Find out the best direct-to-consumer genetic test kit available in India that contains important parameters about your health.