COPD Women and COPD

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Rates of COPD in all age groups under 75 are higher among women than men. COPD acts differently among women than among men. 

Women may be more likely to be diagnosed with severe COPD that develops relatively early, before 55 years old.

• Most people with COPD who never smoked are women.
• Women who smoke the same amount as men appear to have more lung damage, and their lung function is poorer, according to some studies.

• Compared with older men, older women may be more likely to experience serious symptoms of COPD, such as severe shortness of breath, even if they smoke less during their lifetime than men.
• More women than men are hospitalized for COPD. 
• Women who have COPD tend to have more flare-ups.
• Women with COPD are also more likely than men with COPD to struggle with anxiety and depression.

• Women with insulin resistance are at higher risk of COPD.

Alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency can lead to COPD in both women and men. This condition can also complicate pregnancy and birth. AAT deficiency can increase the risk of poorer lung function, including the risk of being diagnosed with COPD, before and during pregnancy. It may also raise the risk of complications such as preeclampsia, miscarriage, and preterm birth.