Abstract. The impact of sex on the presentation and outcomes of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is attracting increasing attention. While COPD affects both men and women, its prevalence is rising more rapidly among women. To better understand the experiences and expectations of women living with COPD, the role of patient associations, and how pulmonologists perceive the disease in female patients, we convened a virtual advisory board on the topic. Women with COPD reported delays in diagnosis, often having been initially misdiagnosed with asthma. Coming to terms with the disease and developing a desire to improve their health were identified as crucial steps in their journey. The president of a patient association highlighted limited awareness and training on COPD among general practitioners as a major contributor to diagnostic delays, particularly in female patients. This may be partly due to the fact that women are often less likely to seek help, being more accustomed to providing care and support to their families. From both emotional and social standpoints, sex-related differences emerged in how symptoms are perceived, how patients communicate with physicians, and how they accept and cope with symptoms, especially dyspnea.
Key words. Women, COPD, burden of disease.