Bronchiectasis: sex and gender considerations.
Bronchiectasis in women may act more virulently. Identified gender and sex differences range from increased exposure risks to altered inflammatory responses. Common among the most well-documented examples is a differential immune response. There is sufficient evidence to suggest that chronic airway infection, most notably non-CF bronchiectasis, is a more common and more virulent disease in women. This is particularly evident in CF-and non-HIV-related environmental mycobacterial respiratory tract infections. Whether this represents an inflammatory-immune process, or environmental, anatomic, or other genetic difference remains to be detailed fully.
Morrissey
Brian M
BM
Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Pulmonary/Critical Care Medicine, University of California-Davis School of Medicine, 4150 V Street, Suite 3400, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA. bmmorrissey@ucdavis.edu
Harper
Richart W
RW
D001987:Bronchiectasis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D003550:Cystic Fibrosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors