November 13, 2017.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or more commonly known as chronic smoker’s bronchitis, is affecting more and more women. But what exactly do we know about this disease?
A disease that also affects women
On the occasion of World Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Day on November 15, the French Federation of Pneumology and the French-speaking Pneumology Society (SPLF) launched an information campaign to raise awareness among women and professionals. of health on this still little-known disease. However, 2.5 to 3 million people would be affected in France.
” COPD is far from only affecting men over 60 who are heavy smokers, constantly coughing and spitting », Explains Dr Anne Prudhomme, pulmonologist at Tarbes University Hospital and head of the women’s health and respiratory group of the SPLF, in the columns of 20 minutes. ” The number of women affected by COPD has doubled in the last twenty years in France “. Its cause: smoking and pollution.
COPD kills 17,000 people every year
“ The number of women with COPD has steadily increased by 1.7% per year since the late 1970s “, Noted already in October Chantal Raherison, epidemiologist at the Bordeaux University Hospital, in a press release. And the case of women is at the heart of the concerns of the French Pneumology Federation, because the disease worsens faster in them than in men.
That’s why she recommends that women who are often short of breath go to the doctor and get tested. Of course, stopping smoking is strongly recommended, as well as regular physical activity. And remember that COPD kills 17,000 people each year, which is five times more than road accidents. Management late, the disease develops irreversibly.
Marine Rondot
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