While smoking remains the biggest risk factor for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) childhood illnesses such as asthma bronchitis pneumonia allergic rhinitis and eczema also amplify the disease say researchers. Three-quarters of COPD cases have their origins in poor lung function pathways beginning in childhood according to a cohort study published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine journal. A second study in the journal suggests that there could be a window of opportunity during childhood to reduce the risk of poor lung function in later life. 'These findings highlight the importance of preventing both early life adverse exposures that could lead
