Sexual concerns of the patient with pulmonary disease

Pulmonary disease can impair sexual functioning. The medications used to alleviate the disease can both help and hinder sexual functioning; some patients may have greater disability from the psychological sequelae. Younger patients (those with asthma or cystic fibrosis) tend to have intermittent flareups and can usually function fairly well sexually between bouts. Older patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease tend to have a more prolonged course; they are also more prone to concomitant disease that can interfere with sexual functioning. Through careful and concerned questioning, the physician can do much to help both of these groups to better sexual functioning.