Even Without Cigarettes: Why Women Over 40 Are Developing COPD

Last Updated:September 28, 2025, 10:03 IST

Although cigarette smoking remains the single largest risk factor, there is proof that shows many women, over the age of 40, are developing COPD even in those who are non-smokers

While cigarette smoking remains the leading risk factor, evidence shows that many women over 40 are developing COPD even if they have never smoked.

COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is often considered as a smoker’s disease. Although cigarette smoking remains the single largest risk factor, there is evidence that shows many women, especially over the age of 40, are developing COPD even in those who are non-smokers. It is important to understand the factors that aggravate the problem.

Dr. K Thiruppathi, HOD & Senior Consultant, Pulmonology, SIMS Hospital, Chennai shares why women over 40 are developing COPD despite never smoking:

Risk Factors Beyond Smoking

Indoor Air Pollution: Women who cook using wood, cow dung or charcoal in improperly ventilated kitchens are at high risk. In rural India, indoor smoke from traditional cooking stoves or open fire irritates the airways.

Outdoor pollution: Pollution from industrial fumes, traffic emissions, and dust also contributes as a major risk. Long-term exposure blocks the airways and damages lung tissue.

Occupational Exposures: Occupation that requires inhaling dust, vapors, or fine particulates for instance small scale industry, textile mining and small-scale industry increase the possibility of COPD even in non-smokers.

Genetic Condition: Although rare in India, genetic conditions like alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency can weaken the lungs natural defense mechanisms, making individuals more vulnerable to early-onset of COPD. In women, smaller airway size further amplifies the damage caused by the same level of environmental exposure, leading to a higher risk of disease progression.

History of Asthma and Lung Infections: Childhood respiratory infections, asthma or lung underdevelopment due to poor maternal health, low birth weight can impact lung functionality. Over time, this progresses to COPD.

Age and Biological Differences: Lung function naturally declines after 40. In women, hormonal changes may impact inflammation or how well the lung repairs itself. In some cases, women tend to report the diagnosis later, often because the symptoms are not aggressive or related to aging or heart ailments.

Symptoms to look for and why many go unidentified: Chronic cough, sputum production, wheezing, chest infections, and shortness of breath on exertion. Although in non-smoking women, symptoms often show slowly. Many assume breathlessness is due to getting older weight gain. Delay in diagnosis is due to a lack of awareness.

What Can Be Done

If you are a woman over 40 years, get yourself evaluated with lung function tests.

Avoid second hand smoking, wear masks when needed, use cleaner cooking fuels, avoid venturing out to polluted places and improve ventilation indoors.

If you are prone to infections, keep a check on your nutrition. Maintain an active lifestyle. Get treatment for asthma.

COPD is not only a smoker’s disease; get correct information from your healthcare provider.

About the Author

Swati Chaturvedi

Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl…Read More

Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl… Read More

Go to Source
Author: News18