Women Will Surpass Men As Victims Within A Few Years.(chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)

2001 JUN 14 - (NewsRx Network) -- Within the next few years, researchers believe more women than men will die from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), according to data presented at the 97th International Conference of the American Thoracic Society (ATS).

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, a respiratory illness resulting primarily from smoking tobacco, is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States. Historically, COPD has been a respiratory illness affecting far more men than women. However, the data that six internationally renowned pulmonary researchers presented reveals that smoking rates since 1964 have decreased much more slowly among women - 33% to 26% - in comparison with men - 51% to 27%. This change is attributed to aggressive cigarette advertising campaigns targeting women, as well as an increased number of women in the workforce exposed to second-hand smoke and pollution.

Fear of depression or weight gain are two major factors that discourage women from attempting smoking cessation as often as men, researchers believe.

"The social pressures on women over the past three decades have accounted for the slower reduction in tobacco use," said Dr. Susan Pingleton from the University of Kansas, who chaired the symposium, titled Closing the Gender Gap: Women and COPD. "The thin and glamorous image of smoking projected by advertisements has been a major factor in the continued use of tobacco by women. Once they are hooked, the thought of quitting and gaining weight results in a greater reluctance by many women."

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is responsible for approximately 109,000 deaths in the United States each year. In 1992, 41,000 women and 51,000 men died from COPD-related illnesses. By 1997, the number of women dying from COPD rose to 53,000, whereas men's deaths grew at a slower rate to 56,000.

Additionally, there is growing evidence that women may be more susceptible to the harmful effects of tobacco smoking because of physiological factors. Research suggests that, in general, this is because women have smaller lungs and airways, and an increased bronchial reaction to smoke. Several studies have suggested women will develop COPD more quickly than men exposed to the same level of smoking.

Of even greater concern is the recent trend of increased smoking among teenage girls. And, girls appear to be more vulnerable than boys to the effects of smoking with decreased ...