Abstract

Women with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: an emerging phenotype of the disease

Author(s): Juan Pablo de Torres, Ciro Casanova2, Claudia G Cote3 and Bartolome R Celli

In the western world, the bulk of the overall increase in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)-related morbidity and mortality is driven in part by the increasing burden of disease in women. The high prevalence of COPD among women in the developed world is likely related to the historic increase of smoking among women in these areas. In some developing countries, COPD in women results from the exposure to other toxic inhalants such as biomass combustion products (especially those used in cooking and heating). The clinical presentation of the disease appears to be different in women compared with men, with a greater expression of the perceptive and nutritional domains in females. The differences are seen primarily at the earlier stages of the disease and decrease or disappear as the severity of COPD progresses. Although little is known about the associated co-morbidities in women with COPD, the available information suggests a high prevalence of anxiety and depression. The therapies available for the treatment of patients with COPD have been better studied in men than in women. There is a need for larger and better studies specifically designed to explore the relationship between gender and COPD.