In most cases, environmental toxins trigger inflammation and release of proteases, which digest the alveolar walls, decreasing the total surface area for gas diffusion.
Recent research from Europe suggests that Vitamin A therapy may be a future regenerative therapy for this disease, which is still regarded as irreversible. Its occurrence is elevated in patients with genetically decreased levels of alpha-antitrypsin1, since that protein usually inactivates the enzyme elastase. In most cases, environmental toxins trigger inflammation and release of proteases, which digest the alveolar walls, decreasing the total surface area for gas diffusion. Found in patients often referred to as either "pink puffers" or "blue bloaters, FTP name this chronic obstructive pulmonary disease whose incidence is greatly increased by smoking tobacco.
Recent research from Europe suggests that Vitamin A therapy may be a future regenerative therapy for this disease, which is still regarded as irreversible.
emphysema