24.10.2025
COPD symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, or reduced
physical capacity are a constant companion for many women – yet the
disease often goes undetected for a long time. Studies show that women
on average receive a COPD diagnosis later than men. This has serious
consequences: the longer symptoms are not taken seriously, the further
the disease progresses and the harder it becomes to treat.
This article explains why diagnosis is often delayed in women, which
biological factors play a role, and how patients can better track
their symptoms.
Do you want to detect and document your COPD symptoms early?
The Breathment app supports you with a symptom diary,
check-ins and personalized recommendations. This way, you can
identify patterns and optimally support your therapy.
Why Women Are Diagnosed Later
The reasons for a late diagnosis are varied. On the one hand, symptoms
such as chronic cough or shortness of breath in women are more often
attributed to asthma or psychosomatic causes. On the other hand, women
often don’t take early COPD symptoms seriously, as they begin
gradually and are mistaken for everyday stress.
In addition, while women generally seek medical help earlier, COPD is
not always clearly recognized there. One reason is that clinical
guidelines and studies were long primarily focused on male patients.
Biological Differences: Why Women May Be More Affected
Women on average have smaller airways and lower lung capacity. This
means that harmful substances such as tobacco smoke or fine dust can
cause damage more quickly. As a result, women often develop
COPD symptoms earlier than men, even with the same smoking
history.
Hormonal factors also play a role: fluctuations in estrogen levels can
increase airway sensitivity. Especially during menopause, symptom
patterns change significantly – read more about this in
How COPD Behaves During Menopause.
Specific Risks in Everyday Life
In addition to smoking, occupational and household exposures often
burden women more strongly:
-
Secondhand smoke – whether at home or at work – has a
particularly strong effect.
-
Cooking with open flames or wood stoves (in many regions
worldwide) increases pollutant exposure.
-
Fine dust and air pollution are especially critical for
women with COPD.
These factors worsen
COPD symptoms and noticeably reduce
quality of life.
Impact on Therapy and Daily Life
Late diagnoses often mean that women are already treated at a moderate
or advanced stage. This limits therapy options. Key measures include:
-
Early lung function testing for recurring cough or
shortness of breath.
-
Individual treatment adjustments, since medication may work
differently in women than in men.
-
Psychosocial support, as women more frequently report
anxiety and depression linked to COPD. Read more in
Psychosocial Differences: How Men and Women Deal with COPD.
Conclusion – Taking COPD Symptoms in Women Seriously
Women with COPD not only experience the same complaints as men, but
are often especially burdened due to biological differences and
societal factors.
COPD symptoms in women should therefore not
be underestimated or attributed to other causes.
Early diagnosis enables better treatment, lowers the risk of severe
disease progression and increases quality of life. With tools like the
Breathment app, patients can actively document their symptoms, detect
changes, and improve treatment together with their healthcare
providers.
Learn more about differences in disease progression in
COPD in Men: Typical Risk Factors and Progression.
