COPD Inspiration Newsletter
This special edition of Inspiration is dedicated to Respiratory Health Association’s WECARE Campaign. WECARE stands for Women Empowered through COPD Awareness and Respiratory health Education.

This public health campaign is focused on improving the well-being of women living with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) by spreading awareness to patients and providers. In this edition, the articles focus on issues related to women and COPD.

This Inspiration issue was created with support from the Learn More Breathe Better® program of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, a Division of the National Institutes of Health.

Inspiration is edited by Khalilah Gates, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Medical Education, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. We thank her for her assistance.
Underdiagnosis of COPD in Women

Studies suggest that as many as 75% of people living with COPD in the U.S. are exhibiting symptoms without a formal diagnosis by a healthcare provider. Women are still more likely to be underdiagnosed with COPD despite rates among women exceeding male rates for more than a decade.

The underdiagnosis of COPD in women is likely caused by multiple factors, including patient and physician behaviors. For example, disease presentation in women can be different from traditional symptoms. This may result in their symptoms being attributed to other conditions like asthma or anxiety. Common symptoms for both men and women include shortness of breath, excess phlegm, and frequent coughing or wheezing.
The Best Way to Reduce Your Risk of COPD or Slow Its Progression? Quit Smoking!
 
For decades, the tobacco industry has targeted women in their advertisement and sale of cigarettes. Since the early 20th century, advertisements have depicted images that prey upon women’s insecurities. An example of this includes cigarettes being marketed as an aid for weight loss. They often feature thin, fashionable, and wealthy-looking women. The narrative that cigarettes are a weight control method is still prevalent today. This has led to hundreds of thousands of tobacco-related deaths in women.
Did You Know There Are Immediate Benefits to Quitting?

  • After 20 minutes:
  • Blood pressure and pulse drop to normal; hands and feet start to warm up
  • After 48-72 hours:
  • Sense of smell and taste improve
  • Nerve endings start to regrow
  • Bronchial tubes relax
  • After 1-9 months:
  • Coughing and shortness of breath decrease
  • Cilia regrow in the lungs
Improving COPD Management for Women

Women face unique challenges when managing their COPD. This may be in part due to comorbidities (other illnesses) like asthma, osteoporosis, and depression. Additionally, without a timely diagnosis, women may experience worsening symptoms which can impact their quality of life.
 
Due to these differences, women living with COPD require care options and management plans specific to their needs. Along with medication such as corticosteroids and bronchodilators, there are additional therapies that can slow the progression of COPD and its comorbidities.
You are receiving this e-mail because you are a lung health hero and opted-in when registering for an event or through our website. You can update your preferences or unsubscribe at any time with the links below. Want to let us know how we can improve? Send us a note at info@resphealth.org.