allaboutdpt

What is emphysema? Emphysema is a form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) characterized by irreversible destruction of alveolar walls and permanent enlargement of airspaces distal to the terminal bronchioles, leading to reduced gas exchange surface area.  Pathogenesis of Emphysema The pathogenesis of emphysema involves an imbalance between proteases and antiproteases , oxidative stress , and chronic inflammation . Here's a step-by-step breakdown: 🔹 1. Exposure to Harmful Substances Major risk factor: Cigarette smoking Others: Air pollution, occupational dust, biomass fuel , genetic conditions like alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency 🔹 2. Inflammatory Cell Activation Inhaled irritants activate alveolar macrophages and epithelial cells . These cells release chemotactic factors (like IL-8 and TNF-α) that recruit neutrophils and CD8+ T cells into the lungs. 🔹 3. Protease-Antiprotease Imbalance Neutrophils and macrophages release proteolytic enzyme...