ABSTRACT
The link between chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cigarette smoking is well established (1). However, there is wide variation between individuals in their response to cigarette smoke. The results of epidemiological surveys indicate that only 10-20% of chronic heavy smokers will ever develop symptomatic COPD (2,3). This indicates that there are additional cofactors contributing to the development of COPD. Environmental cofactors include childhood viral respiratory infections as well as environmental and occupational pollution. Genetic factors also influence susceptibility to the detrimental effects of cigarette smoke and hence to COPD. In this chapter we will review the genetic studies of COPD and discuss their potential impact on the diagnosis and treatment of this disease.
