COPD In Women

Millions of women worldwide are affected by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a debilitating lung condition. Unfortunately, COPD in women often goes undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, as symptoms can be subtle and easily mistaken for other conditions.

Though COPD has no cure, it’s a condition that can be managed with the right treatments and medications.

Here’s what you need to know about COPD, including what it is, what causes COPD in women, COPD symptoms in women and risk factors, plus the many treatment options available to those living with the condition.

What Is COPD?

COPD is a group of progressive, chronic diseases that constrict airflow in and out of the lungs so that less oxygen moves through the body.

“COPD, or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, is a disease that makes it difficult to breathe,” explains Ibraheem Fares Mohammad Yousef, MD, a pulmonary and critical care physician with Franciscan Physician Network in Munster. “It includes conditions like emphysema, recurrent bronchitis and sputum production.”

COPD is a common condition in Indiana, affecting 8.5% of all adults, according to the American Lung Association.

What Causes COPD In Women?

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the cause of most cases of COPD is smoking. However, as many as 25% of people in the United States with the disease have never smoked cigarettes.

Risk factors for COPD

The risk factors for developing COPD outlined by the American Lung Association include:

• Secondhand smoke exposure, including smoke from a coal or wood-burning stove
• Aging, which leads to declining lung function, particularly for those over 40
• Childhood respiratory infections
• A history of asthma
• Underdeveloped lungs.

How Does COPD Affect Women Differently Than Men?

“While COPD affects both men and women, studies have shown that women may experience more severe symptoms at a younger age and with less exposure to smoking or environmental toxins than men,” Dr. Yousef said. “This could be due to differences in lung anatomy, hormonal factors or genetic predispositions. Women are also more likely to develop COPD from smoking fewer cigarettes over a shorter period compared to men.”

More women than men die from COPD, the sixth-leading killer in the U.S., but men statistically are more likely than women to die from the disease, according to the American Lung Association.

What Are The Early Symptoms Of COPD In Women?

Early symptoms of COPD in women can include:

• A persistent cough (often referred to as "smoker’s cough")
• Increased mucus production
• Shortness of breath during everyday activities
• Frequent respiratory infections
• Fatigue.

“COPD does not usually become noticeable until after the age of 40,” Dr. Yousef said. “Most people diagnosed with the condition are over 60 years old.”

Dr. Yousef cautions that women should not assume their symptoms are because of getting older or feeling out of shape.

“Many women might mistake these symptoms for normal aging or conditions like asthma, which can delay diagnosis and treatment,” Dr. Yousef said. “It’s important for women experiencing these symptoms, especially if they have a history of smoking or exposure to lung irritants, to consult a healthcare provider.”

How Can Women Reduce Their Risk Of Developing COPD?

“The most effective way for women to reduce their risk of developing COPD is to avoid smoking or to quit if they currently smoke,” Dr. Yousef said. “Avoiding secondhand smoke and reducing exposure to environmental pollutants, such as dust, chemical fumes and indoor air pollution, is also crucial. For women who are at risk, regular check-ups with a healthcare provider can help monitor lung health and catch early signs of COPD.”

How Is COPD Treated?

Since COPD may have a number of different underlying causes, the American Lung Association says treatment options are diverse and include:

• A plan to stop smoking
• COPD medications such as bronchodilators and anti-inflammatories delivered via inhaler or nebulizer
• Pulmonary rehabilitation programs that include exercise training; social support, and nutritional and disease management education
• Oxygen therapy to increase the oxygen flow in your body
• Noninvasive ventilation therapy to reduce carbon dioxide levels in your body
• Lung surgery
• Zephyr valve therapy.

The sooner you are diagnosed with COPD, the sooner treatment can begin. The good news is that while COPD can't be cured, it can be managed effectively with the right treatment plan. Talk to your doctor if you are showing symptoms of possible COPD.

HealthDay News and Inspiring Women magazine contributed information to this article.