The Particulars: Researchers have speculated that COPD may manifest differently in men than in women. However, few studies have assessed gender differences among this population.
Data Breakdown: A study of patients with mild to severe COPD found that women had fewer pack-years smoking history than men. No differences were observed between genders in degree of obstruction or emphysema. However, women had lower BMIs, shorter 6-minute walk distances, and worse quality of life measures than men. They also had more exacerbations requiring healthcare use and treatment with antibiotics or steroids.
Take Home Pearls: Women appear to exhibit more severe symptoms of COPD and suffer more exacerbations when compared with men.
