Emphysema: Causes, Symptoms and Biological Consequences

The disease causes the air sacs in the lungs, called alveoli, to enlarge. Cell walls are broken down and damaged, resulting in fewer larger damaged air sacs. Thus, the oxygen uptake into the blood and CO2 return is decreased.

Causes:

·         The most important cause is cigarette smoking

·         Air pollution, dust or chemicals

·         Childhood respiratory disorders

·         Low weight

It is caused by an increased level of phagocytes which inflame the wall of alveoli.

The disease can also be congenital (meaning that it is genetically predisposed). People have an alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency.

Symptoms:

·         Shortness of breath

·         Coughing

Minor symptoms:

·         Lung infections

·         Producing mucus

·         Weight loss

·         Fatigue

·         Blue lips and nails

·         Depression

·         Sleep disorder

·         Headache

Biological consequences:

There is an increased level of phagocytes in the alveoli. These normally destroy antigens by engulfing and producing a protein digesting enzyme called elastase, which kills the antigen. An enzyme inhibitor, called alpha 1-antitrypsin normally protects the lung tissue from the elastase by inhibiting the enzyme.

In smokers the number of phagocytes increases, which can therefore inflame the inner wall of the alveoli, because there are not enough inhibitors to inhibit elastase.

Sources:

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/8934.php

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=emphysema&biw=1242&bih=557&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwj2qM_g2q3PAhXBvxQKHV_IDi0Q_AUIBigB#imgrc=yQfTRFNQF7dfpM%3A