Men, women face different challenges with COPD, bronchiectasis, and NTM lung disease
COPD Foundation survey examines importance of patient-reported outcomes, personalized care
Miami (November 11, 2025) - Men and women with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchiectasis, and nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) lung disease report differences in symptoms, mental health, disease burden, and other patient-reported outcomes, according to a new study in the September 2025 issue of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases: Journal of the COPD Foundation, a peer-reviewed, open access journal.
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."
To access current and past issues of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases: Journal of the COPD Foundation, visit journal.copdfoundation.org.
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About the COPD Foundation
The COPD Foundation is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to help millions of people live longer and healthier lives by advancing research, advocacy, and awareness to stop COPD, bronchiectasis, and NTM lung disease. The Foundation does this through scientific research, education, advocacy, and awareness to prevent disease, slow progression, and find a cure. For more information, visit copdfoundation.org, or follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.
Contact:
Brittany Irish
805-465-2497
mediarelations@copdfoundation.org