COPD Strikes Men, Women Differently

Related Encyclopedia • Acne • Adenocarcinoma of the Lung and Brain Metastases • Amenorrhea • Amniocentesis More... Related Healthscout Videos A Welcome Message from Survivor PJ Hamel Smother Says "Cut!" Maryann and Paula When's the Next Free Mammogram Day? October 17, 2008!!! More... Related Animations • Asthma • Breast Reduction • Breast Self-Exam Video • Colon Cancer More... Related Drug Information • Actonel • Advair Diskus • Cialis • Combivent More... Related News Articles • Iressa as Good as Chemotherapy for Lung Cancer • Latin Women More Likely to Be Unhappy With Breast Cancer Treatment Decisions • Scientists ID Uterine Muscle Switch for Contractions • Long-Term Erythromycin Cut COPD Complications More...

Page:  << Prev | 1 | 2

"This article highlights the need for more research on COPD and gender," DeMeo said.

There are several possible explanations for the differences found in the study, she said. "Are there sexual differences, based on hormonal influences?" DeMeo said. "Or are there different genetic interactions? Another question is whether there are differences in the way men interact with the environment, not only in cigarette smoking but in other ways?"

Whatever the reason, the finding shows that "physicians need to continue to raise the awareness of COPD in women," DeMeo said. "It is a diagnosis that has not reached prominence in women. We need to raise awareness not only among lung specialists but also among basic health-care providers."

Text Continues Below

---

COPD is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States, and the number of women dying of the condition has exceeded the toll among men for four consecutive years, according to the American Lung Association. In 2003, more than 63,000 women died of COPD, compared to 59,000 men.

"What we really need is a very large study using CAT scans and other methods to see what the difference in damage is among those who have COPD," DeMeo said. "Smoking is not going away, so these studies are important, because the issue continues to arise."

More information

For more on COPD, visit the American Lung Association.

Page:  << Prev | 1 | 2