Older adults typically develop COPD compared to younger age groups. The longer you’re exposed to certain risk factors, including smoking, the higher the chance of developing this group of lung diseases.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) most often develops in older adults. This progressive lung disorder causes blocked airways, and it takes years to develop.

While it’s possible that some younger people can develop the condition, those who live with certain risk factors longer are more likely to develop the disease.

COPD develops most often in older adults and can also affect middle-aged people.

When people are younger, their lungs are still generally healthy. COPD develops over several years.

Most people are at least 40 years oldTrusted Source when symptoms of COPD first appear. While it’s not as common in younger people, some research suggests that those who develop the condition at younger ages may have milder symptoms.

There are certain genetic conditions, such as alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, that may cause some younger people to be more likely to develop COPD.

If you develop symptoms of COPD under 40 years of age, your doctor may screen for this condition.

The progression of the disease can vary slightly, so it’s more important to focus on possible COPD symptoms rather than solely on the age you might get it.

COPD symptoms you may notice (no matter your age)

The following symptoms could indicate COPD:

Read more about COPD symptoms and what may constitute an emergency where you may consider seeking medical care.

Smoking is the leading causeTrusted Source of COPD, whether it’s someone who is currently or a past smoker.

This may relate to how old you are, in that the longer someone smokes, the higher the chances they have of developing COPD and breathing difficulties.

COPD also can’t be reversed. That means you may lower your risk for COPD as you get older or help relieve COPD flare-ups by stopping smoking.

Get help to stop smoking

You can take these steps to stop smoking and help COPD symptoms or reduce your risk.

But not everyone with COPD has smoked. Some research suggests that 25% of peopleTrusted Source with the condition have never smoked in their life. In such cases, COPD may be attributed to other risk factors, including long-term exposure to other things that can irritate and harm the lungs. These include:

No matter the exact cause of COPD, it typically takes high amounts of exposure for significant destruction in the lungs to develop.

This is why you might not realize the damage until it’s too late. Having asthma and being exposed to the things mentioned above can also increase the risk.

If you’re regularly exposed to any of these irritants, it’s best to limit your exposure as much as possible.

Find out more about COPD

You can learn more about COPD and how it may impact you as you age, including managing a new diagnosis, the medications your doctor may prescribe, and how you can improve your quality of life with this condition.

COPD is most prevalent in older and middle-aged adults, but it’s not a regular part of aging. If you think you have symptoms of COPD, you should seek treatment right away.

Prompt treatment can slow the progression of the disease and help prevent complications. Quitting smoking slows the progression of the disease as well. If you smoke, talk with your doctor about getting help to quit.

You are not alone

Life with COPD may feel isolating. But there is a community of people who live with this condition or have people in their lives that they care about with COPD. You can connect with others in the COPD online community through the Bezzy community.