Many COPD cases ‘can be linked to childhood risk factors’

The vast majority of cases of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can be linked to childhood risk factors, according to a new report.

Conducted by the University of Melbourne, the analysis consisted of two studies showing how lung function changes over a person's life, revealing that three-quarters of COPD cases have their origins in poor lung function pathways beginning in childhood.

Although smoking remains the biggest risk factor for COPD, the report shows that childhood illnesses such as asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, allergic rhinitis and eczema are also linked to the disease, with these issues being amplified by factors in adulthood.

It was also discovered that three-quarters of infants aged one to six months with poor lung function improved throughout their childhood, suggesting there may be a window of opportunity to improve lung function and reduce risk of COPD in later life.

As such, interventions to maximise lung growth in early childhood could be used to modify the risk of COPD in later life, it was concluded.

Study author Professor Shyamali Dharmage, of the school of population and global health at the University of Melbourne, said: "These findings highlight the importance of preventing both early-life adverse exposures that could lead to poorer lung growth, and adult risk factors contributing to accelerated lung decline."

With over 20 years of experience within the science market, we at Zenopa have the knowledge, skills and expertise to help find the right job for you. To find out more about the current science roles we have available, you can search for the latest job roles, register your details, or contact the team today.