Women and Lung Disease

It's well documented that women develop alcoholism and related disorders more quickly than men .. now a study shows women smokers develop CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE and EMPHYSEMA more quickly than men.

The study is the first to compare men and women and lung disease. It was done
at the University of Michigan and reported in the August 1, 2007 issue of the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, published by the American Thoracic Society.

The study shows women had shorter smoking histories and lower body mass index than men and experienced more breathlessness, lower lung function and decreased exercise capacity compared to men. They also reported more depression, a lower quality of well-being and scored more poorly on a test for overall mental health.

What makes this so important is that in 2000, the number of women with COPD surpassed the number of men.

If you need help in kicking the habit .. contact the American Cancer Society or talk with your physician about local programs.