1 Joan, Princess of Wales, in the 13th century, the wife and consort of Llywelyn the Great, the Prince of Wales; and the daughter of King John of England. Joan, Princess of Wales, in the 13th century, the wife and consort of Llywelyn the Great, the Prince of Wales; and the daughter of King John of England.
1 More than 90% of COPD deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries. 2  The primary cause of COPD is tobacco smoke (through tobacco use or second-hand smoke).  The disease now affects men and women almost equally, due in part to increased tobacco use among women in high-income countries.
Common Causes of COPD. Cigarette smoke is by far the most common reason people get COPD. You can also get it from tobacco products, such as cigar and pipe smoke, especially if you breathe in the smoke. Secondhand smoke is also an issue. Even if you arenât a smoker, you can get COPD from living with one.