Khaberni - Medical studies indicate that lung diseases may have a more significant impact on women compared to men, due to a range of biological, hormonal, and environmental factors that make the respiratory system in women more sensitive to certain health hazards.
The German health information portal for pharmacists, Apotheken, mentioned that anatomical differences between the sexes play an important role in this matter, as women's lungs are about 10% smaller in size on average compared to men. Additionally, the area of the upper respiratory tract, which is the space in the nose and throat through which air passes, is smaller in women by about 30 to 50%.
Data also suggests that the airways, the branching passages inside the lungs that carry air, are also smaller in size in women, varying between 5 and 20%. This may make the airflow more susceptible to infections or irritation.
The Effect of Hormones
The hormonal factor plays an additional role in the differing responses of the respiratory system. The hormone estrogen may increase the sensitivity of the airways, which could explain the higher rates of asthma and respiratory allergies in women in certain age groups.
Women in some regions are more prone to respiratory problems due to exposure to cooking smoke inside homes or air pollution, increasing the risk of diseases such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Increased Sensitivity to Pollution
Experimental studies indicate that women may be more sensitive to fine pollutant particles in the air, especially those particles smaller than 2.5 micrometers (PM2.5), as they can accumulate in greater amounts in the respiratory tracts of women compared to men.
Medical studies published by the National Institutes of Health in the United States warn that these fine particles are associated with an increased risk of lung infections and cardiovascular diseases.
Smoking and Its Stronger Impact on Women
Experts also point out that smoking can be more harmful to women. Even with smoking fewer cigarettes compared to men, women may develop chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) at an earlier age, a disease that causes narrowing of the airways and difficulty breathing.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States confirm that women who smoke may be more prone to lung tissue damage, making quitting smoking and preventing air pollution key factors in protecting the health of the respiratory system.
Tips for Prevention
Doctors recommend several steps to reduce the risk of lung diseases, including:
Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke.
Minimize exposure to air pollution as much as possible.
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, contributing to the protection of respiratory health for everyone.
