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.
A persistent cough may be caused by: 1  a long-term respiratory tract infection, such as chronic bronchitis. 2  asthma â this also usually causes other symptoms, such as wheezing, chest tightness and shortness of breath. 3  an allergy. 4  smoking â a smoker's cough can also be a symptom of COPD.