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• Symposium Reveals Women to Surpass Men as Victims of COPD 

Within the next few years, researchers believe more women than men will die from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). That's according to data presented here today at the 97th International Conference of the American Thoracic Society (ATS).

COPD, 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 here today reveals that smoking rates since 1964 have decreased much more slowly among women -- 33 percent to 26 percent -- as compared to men -- 51 percent to 27 percent. 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.

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

The symposium was sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

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