COPD in Never Smokers.

The article discusses evidence confirming that non-smokers or never smokers comprise a significant proportion of individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The study analyzed data from 14 countries that participated in the Burden of Obstructive Lung Disease (BOLD) program where participants completed questionnaires about health status, respiratory symptoms and exposure to COPD risk factors. It is suggested that increased age, a prior diagnosis of asthma and lower education levels in women are associated with increased COPD risk.