title: [COPD in nonsmokers].
abstract: The association of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and smoking is well established. However, an increasing number of studies have reported a not inconsiderable prevalence of COPD among nonsmokers. Therefore, other factors, both endogenous and exogenous, may influence the development of this disease. The present article reviews the influence of possible genetic factors, gender and other respiratory diseases (such as chronic asthma and tuberculosis), as well as environmental pollution and occupational exposure in the development of COPD.
authors.affiliation: Servicio de Neumología, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, España. med010161@saludalia.com
authors.forename: Myriam Calle
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Rubio
authors.forename: Juan Luis
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Rodríguez Hermosa
authors.forename: José Luis
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Alvarez-Sala Walther
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012907:Smoking