Smoking hits women's lungs harder

Women are considered to be more susceptible to the toxic and lung damaging effects of cigarette smoking, a new study finds.  According to the study presented at the 105th International Conference of the American Thoracic Society in San Diego, female smokers have more severe diseases and worse lung function compared to their male counterparts.  Severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) was found in female smokers who smoked only a few cigarettes every day, indicating that even low exposure can be troublesome in women.  Female smokers were found to experience reduced lung function at a lower level of smoking exposure and at an earlier age compared to men.  Scientists believe smaller airways in women along with metabolism differences among the two genders makes each cigarette potentially more dangerous for females, contributing to more severe damages in this group.  PKH/HGH

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