The Link Between Childhood Asthma and COPD
It is clear that smoking is one of the greatest risks for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); however, there are other factors, such as second hand smoking (wherein you get the effects of smoking by getting exposed to it even if you do not smoke), contact with pollution, genetic conditions, family history, and asthma, that also come into play. One factor that might lead to COPD is being diagnosed with asthma during childhood.
In a recent longitudinal study conducted at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, MA, it was concluded that “persistent childhood asthma can develop into chronic obstructive pulmonary disease." According to the researchers, the low lung functions of children consequently lead to reduced lung growth. If this reduced lung growth is not treated, the child can potentially develop COPD in adulthood.
Can You Prevent Asthma?
Just like smoke and pollution exposure, asthma attacks can also be prevented. If asthma is prevented, children will be able to avoid the potential of developing COPD in adulthood. Ways to avoid asthma is by avoiding triggering factors and getting treatment as soon as possible.
Educate Others By:
- Identifying high-risk children
- Teach ways to prevent asthma and make people more aware of triggers.
