(Press-News.org) Contact information: Allison Perry
allison.perry@uky.edu
859-323-2399
University of Kentucky
UK review examines gender differences in COPD patients
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Dec. 3, 2013) — A new study review authored by the University of Kentucky's Dr. David Mannino examines the gender differences in the prevalence, pathophysiology, and clinical presentation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and how this information may ultimately be used to identify areas for future work.
COPD is a complex disease that affects patients in both developed and developing countries around the world. Historically considered a men's disease, the prevalence and mortality of COPD has increased more rapidly in women than in men during the past two decades.
The review, published in Translational Research, examines potential reasons for this increase. The change has been largely attributed to the changing smoking trends during the last 50 years — for instance, in developing countries, the prevalence of female smokers is predicted to increase to 20 percent by 2025, up from only nine percent in 2000. Other environmental risk factors, such as exposures to occupational dusts or chemicals and air pollution, may be a cause due to women entering into historically male jobs.
Newer evidence also suggests that men and women differ in susceptibility to smoking, possibly because of hormonal mechanisms — female sex hormones have been known to influence airway function, and during childhood, girls experience a larger reduction in lung function than boys when exposed to either tobacco smoke or environmental air pollution.
Additionally, the clinical presentation, comorbidities and disease perception of COPD may vary between the genders and may ultimately influence treatment decisions and strategies.
"Over my 30 years of treating patients, I've seen the number of women with COPD increase dramatically to where they now outnumber the number of men with COPD in my practice," said Mannino, professor and chair of Preventive Medicine and Environmental Health at the UK College of Public Health. "Women with COPD are particularly at risk for certain complications, such as osteoporosis."
### END
UK review examines gender differences in COPD patients
2013-12-03
ELSE PRESS RELEASES FROM THIS DATE:
Unlikely collaboration leads to discovery of 'gender-bending' plant
2013-12-03
Unlikely collaboration leads to discovery of 'gender-bending' plant
Bucknell professor Chris Martine never expected to be working with his mentor on identifying a new wild eggplant in Australia, especially since Martine's former colleague passed away years ago
Bucknell ...
Neurofeedback tunes key brain networks, improving subjective well-being in PTSD
2013-12-03
Neurofeedback tunes key brain networks, improving subjective well-being in PTSD
Pioneering research conducted at Western University (London, Canada) points to a promising avenue for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): utilising neurofeedback ...
Majority of Americans believe another government shutdown likely in coming months
2013-12-03
Majority of Americans believe another government shutdown likely in coming months
Last government shutdown harmful to medical research
ALEXANDRIA, Va.—December 3, 2013—Nearly two-thirds (65%) of Americans say it's likely there will be another government shutdown ...
Manufacturing a new gut to treat GI diseases
2013-12-03
Manufacturing a new gut to treat GI diseases
Researchers develop way to grow and control maturation of intestinal stem cells, findings pave new ways to treat gastrointestinal disorders
Boston, MA – For those living with gastrointestinal ...
Do sports concussions really cause chronic traumatic encephalopathy?
2013-12-03
Do sports concussions really cause chronic traumatic encephalopathy?
Study finds little evidence to support link
MAYWOOD, Ill. – It's been widely reported that football and other contact sports increase the risk of a debilitating neurological condition called ...
Obesity, smoking increase risk after immediate breast reconstruction with implants
2013-12-03
Obesity, smoking increase risk after immediate breast reconstruction with implants
New risk-scoring tool allows surgeons to better counsel and potentially change an operative plan for women at higher risk for implant failure after mastectomy, Journal of the ...
NASA sees thirty-third tropical depression form in Northwestern Pacific
2013-12-03
NASA sees thirty-third tropical depression form in Northwestern Pacific
The Northwestern Pacific Ocean tropical cyclone season continues with the formation of the thirty-third tropical depression today, December 3, 2013.Two NASA satellites provided a look at the ...
Protein in prostate biopsies signals increased cancer risk
2013-12-03
Protein in prostate biopsies signals increased cancer risk
Finding may help clinicians decide which men, with an aberrant biopsy, could benefit from additional future biopsy screenings
NEW YORK (December 3, 2013) -- Researchers from Weill Cornell Medical ...
Building life-saving batteries: American Chemical Society Prized Science video
2013-12-03
Building life-saving batteries: American Chemical Society Prized Science video
The engineering feat that enables a device to jolt a dangerously misbehaving heart back to its normal rhythm and save millions of lives is featured in a new video from the popular ...
New report calls for attention to abrupt impacts from climate change
2013-12-03
New report calls for attention to abrupt impacts from climate change
WASHINGTON -- Climate change has increased concern over possible large and rapid changes in the physical climate system, which includes the Earth's atmosphere, land surfaces, and oceans. Some ...