Men and women with COPD reported differences in symptoms, mental health, disease burden, and other outcomes.


RT’s Three Key Takeaways:

  1. Sex-Based Differences – Men and women with COPD, bronchiectasis, and NTM lung disease report distinct patterns in symptoms, mental health, disease burden, and overall patient-reported outcomes.
  2. Higher Anxiety Among Women – Women sought care earlier than men but experienced greater anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about their diagnosis, and were less likely to feel it was clearly explained.
  3. Need for Targeted Research – The study underscores the limited understanding of sex-related differences in chronic lung diseases and calls for more research to inform tailored care strategies.


Men and women with COPD, bronchiectasis, and nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) lung disease report differences in symptoms, mental health, disease burden, and other patient-reported outcomes, according to new survey results published in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases: Journal of the COPD Foundation.

COPD encompasses conditions including emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Bronchiectasis is a chronic lung disease characterized by enlarged airways that are thickened and/or scarred. These permanently widened airways lead to a buildup of mucus and impaired clearance of bacteria from the lungs. NTM lung disease is a chronic respiratory condition caused by certain types of mycobacteria commonly found in the environment, such as in soil and water.

The COPD Foundation conducted a survey of 632 individuals with self-reported COPD, bronchiectasis, and/or NTM lung disease. Respondents were divided into two groups:

  1. A reported diagnosis of COPD regardless of presence of bronchiectasis or NTM lung disease, and
  2. A reported diagnosis of bronchiectasis and/or NTM without COPD.

The survey focused on the individual’s own assessments of their diagnosis, disease management, symptoms, comorbidities, and disease burden. Data was analyzed based on sex assigned at birth. A majority of respondents were women with COPD. They reported seeking care after symptoms developed sooner than their male counterparts; however, they expressed feeling increased anxiety and fear related to their diagnosis and were less likely to believe their diagnosis was clearly explained by a doctor.

“Men and women experience chronic lung disease differently; however, research on the extent of these differences and how to address them remains limited,” said Radmila Choate, PhD, MPH, associate professor of epidemiology at the University of Kentucky College of Public Health. “Our findings highlight the need for a deeper understanding of these and for new ways to improve lung health for both men and women.”