Why are women more affected by lung diseases than men?

Medical studies indicate that lung diseases may affect women more than men, due to a combination of biological, hormonal, and environmental factors that make a woman’s respiratory system more sensitive to certain health risks.

The German website Apotheken, a health information portal for pharmacists, stated that anatomical differences between the sexes play a significant role in this matter, as women’s lungs are, on average, about 10% smaller than men’s. Furthermore, the area of ​​the upper respiratory tract—the space in the nose and throat through which air passes—is between 30% and 50% smaller in women.

The data indicates that the bronchi, the branching passages within the lungs that carry air, are also 5 to 20% smaller in women, which may make airflow more susceptible to inflammation or irritation.

The effect of hormones

Hormonal factors also play a role in the varying responses of the respiratory system. Estrogen may increase the sensitivity of the airways, which could explain the higher rates of asthma and respiratory allergies among women in certain age groups.

In some areas, women are more prone to respiratory problems due to exposure to indoor cooking smoke or air pollution, which increases the risk of developing diseases such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Greater sensitivity to pollution

Experimental studies suggest that women may be more sensitive to fine airborne pollutants, especially particles less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter (PM2.5), as these can accumulate in larger quantities in their respiratory tracts compared to men.

Medical studies published by the National Institutes of Health in the United States warn that these fine particles are linked to an increased risk of lung infections and cardiovascular diseases.

Smoking and its stronger effect on women

Experts also point out that smoking may be more harmful to women. Even with fewer cigarettes consumed than men, women may develop chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) at a younger age, a disease that causes narrowing of the airways and difficulty breathing.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirms that women who smoke may be more susceptible to lung tissue damage, making quitting smoking and preventing air pollution essential factors for protecting respiratory health.

Prevention tips

Doctors recommend a number of steps to reduce the risk of lung disease, including:

•  Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke.
•  Reduce exposure to air pollution as much as possible.
• Engaging in regular physical activity to improve lung efficiency.
• Consult a doctor if symptoms such as chronic cough or shortness of breath appear.

Health experts believe that understanding the biological differences between men and women helps in developing more accurate preventive and therapeutic strategies, which contributes to protecting everyone’s respiratory health.