[COPD not only found amongst smokers: a quarter have never smoked]

COPD not only found amongst smokers: a quarter have never smoked Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by irreversible expiratory airflow limitation. Symptoms and exacerbations are now the most important factors for making treatment decisions. Recent data suggest that accelerated loss of lung function is not necessary for developing COPD. A lower lung function at the time when the lungs are fully developed, i.e. at the age of 20, and a normal loss in adulthood will increase the likelihood of developing chronic airflow limitation later. The proportion of neversmokers is estimated to 20-25% of the COPD population. Other risk factors than cigarette smoking, such as events in the neonatal period/childhood and air pollutants, have therefore been highlighted.