%0 Journal Article %A Lalita Fernandes %A Anthony Mesquita %T Biomass smoke exposure is the main risk factor for COPD in non smoking women in a developing country %D 2013 %J European Respiratory Journal %P 2008 %V 42 %N Suppl 57 %X Background: COPD is an important non communicable disease with rising mortality and morbidity. Tobacco smoking is the biggest risk factor for COPD in developed countries. In a developing country like India, where the prevalence of smoking is low in women (3.6% in women and 26.25% in men), the prevalence of COPD is equal in both sexes (2-22% in men and 1.2-19% in women). Biomass smoke exposure is the biggest risk factor for COPD in women,however the awareness of COPD in non smoking women is low.Aim: To evaluate the differences in risk factors,respiratory symptoms, lung function,BMI and exercise capacity in men and women with COPD.Methods: We included males and femalesā‰„40 years of age and excluded patients with COPD exacerbation within 4 weeks of enrollment and other lung diseases. BOLD questionnaire captured symptoms,COPD defined by GOLD guideline 2009 and 6MWD performed per ATS guidelines.Results:View this table:Patient CharacteristicsView this table:Comparison of Clinical Symtoms and Lung functionsConclusions: Biomass smoke exposure is the biggest risk factor for COPD in women and women have similar clinical presentation of COPD as men. %U https://erj.ersjournals.com/content/erj/42/Suppl_57/2008.full.pdf