The body's natural defences may make the symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) worse in smokers, according to new research.

Scientists at the University of Cincinnati have claimed that there is a link between cigarette smoke and the activation of a specific cellular receptor that is crucial to activating the immune system.

"People have historically believed that if you smoke, you suppress the immune system," said Michael Borchers, who led the research.

"We've shown that you actually activate certain parts of the immune system and it could potentially work against you," he explained.

"When the lungs are exposed to chronic damage from cigarette smoke, at some point that damage exceeds the body's natural ability to repair tissue and can start to contribute to COPD instead of protecting against it."

The research could help scientists to develop a greater understanding of COPD's progression and help to develop new approaches to tackle the illness.

In January, Distance Lab and the Centre for Rural Health in Inverness began work on research into a communication system for sufferers of COPD.

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