Pathophysiology of emphysema,”Destruction of alveolar walls due to 1. relative protease excess activity (elastase) from PMNs2. Deficiency of antiprotease 3. Smoking increases #of PMNS (therefore elastase)

Pathophysiology of emphysema,”Destruction of alveolar walls due to 1. relative protease excess activity (elastase) from PMNs2. Deficiency of antiprotease 3. Smoking increases #of PMNS (therefore elastase)

inhibits a1 antitrypsin and causes free radical stress”