Men and women differ in their biological characteristics such as anatomy, physiology and, hormonal factors (sex). Recent evidence has shown that sex can influence lung physiology and the development of respiratory diseases as well. For example, we know that asthma prevalence is higher in boys than in girls and that ratio is inverted after puberty, reaching an equal prevalence for both sexes around the age of the menopause. Also, in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), previously referred to as a ‘smoking men’s disease’, epidemiologic changes are noted. Incidence of COPD in females is rising, with an increase in smoking habits the main causative factor, and evidence suggesting that females are more susceptible to tobacco smoke than men. However, despite the evidence, the mechanisms underlying these sex differences of specifically respiratory symptoms are still unclear.
This Research Topic will raise awareness of sex differences in respiratory diseases and will bring together the latest advance in this field. Sex differences are rarely taken into account in research, general medical practice or in the development of new treatments. The lack of basic understanding of the differences between sexes may lead to bias and/or suboptimal treatment and to miss out the opportunity of developing a better and personalized medicine for respiratory diseases.
Our main scope for this issue is basic and/or applied research aiming to experimentally explain how sex differences may affect the development of respiratory diseases and the use of drugs that are used in their treatment.
Research papers with a focus on respiratory diseases or respiratory disease models where sex differences have been reported are welcome.
Men and women differ in their biological characteristics such as anatomy, physiology and, hormonal factors (sex). Recent evidence has shown that sex can influence lung physiology and the development of respiratory diseases as well. For example, we know that asthma prevalence is higher in boys than in girls and that ratio is inverted after puberty, reaching an equal prevalence for both sexes around the age of the menopause. Also, in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), previously referred to as a ‘smoking men’s disease’, epidemiologic changes are noted. Incidence of COPD in females is rising, with an increase in smoking habits the main causative factor, and evidence suggesting that females are more susceptible to tobacco smoke than men. However, despite the evidence, the mechanisms underlying these sex differences of specifically respiratory symptoms are still unclear.
This Research Topic will raise awareness of sex differences in respiratory diseases and will bring together the latest advance in this field. Sex differences are rarely taken into account in research, general medical practice or in the development of new treatments. The lack of basic understanding of the differences between sexes may lead to bias and/or suboptimal treatment and to miss out the opportunity of developing a better and personalized medicine for respiratory diseases.
Our main scope for this issue is basic and/or applied research aiming to experimentally explain how sex differences may affect the development of respiratory diseases and the use of drugs that are used in their treatment.
Research papers with a focus on respiratory diseases or respiratory disease models where sex differences have been reported are welcome.
