Airway function in women: bronchial hyperresponsiveness, cough, and vocal cord dysfunction.
Bronchial hyperreactivity and cough are common medical problems that occur more frequently in women. Differences in size, hormonal effects, density, and sensitivity to receptors and psychologic factors may all play a role, which results in increased expression of upper and lower airway disease. The reason that VCD occurs more commonly in women is not clear but many of the same explanations regarding bronchial hyperreactivity and cough may apply.
Parker
Joseph M
JM
Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA. joseph.parker@na.amedd.army.mil
Guerrero
Melanie L
ML
D000403:Airway Resistance; D001249:Asthma / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D016535:Bronchial Hyperreactivity / Q000503:physiopathology*; D003371:Cough / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D014827:Vocal Cords / Q000503:physiopathology*