Airway Dysanapsis: Exposing a Major COPD Risk Factor That Is on Par with Smoking

Dr. Benjamin Smith, McGill University, Montréal, QC

Smoking is a major risk factor for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), yet much of the variation in COPD risk remains unexplained. Indeed, only a minority of lifelong smokers will develop COPD, and nearly 30% of COPD occurs among never smokers. These observations suggest that other factors must play a major role in COPD susceptibility. Dr. Smith will try to convince you of a novel COPD risk factor that surpasses smoking and other standard risk factors.

Learning Objectives
At the end of this presentation, attendees will be able to:

• Describe the pathophysiologic basis of COPD;
• Identify established COPD risk factors; and
• Describe the contribution of dysanapsis to COPD risk and progression.