
How can the Immune System Trigger the Causes of Emphysema?
Emphysema is a chronic pulmonary disorder that develops gradually over a period of several years and causes considerable damage to the lungs. Since it is a lung disorder known to cause breathing difficulties, most people believe that the risk factors for developing it are linked only to smoking and exposure to pollution. However, the fact is immunological abnormalities can also trigger the causes of emphysema and even contribute to the worsening of this condition. Here is a brief discussion about the role of the immune system in the development of emphysema.
Respiratory illness or infections cause immune cells to fight back, but the enzymes released by these immune cells can cause damage to lung tissue.
Research studies aimed at assessing B cell adaptive immunity profile in patients with emphysema have suggested that the immune cells have the potential to control the development of this disease.
The research study has also shown that our body tries to minimize the 'collateral damage' caused due to the abnormal functioning of the immune system while fighting infections in the lungs.
When bacteria, viruses, or other pathogens enter the lungs or respiratory passages, the immune cells fight back to neutralize the danger. The immune cells release toxic enzymes that can destroy invading organisms.
However, these enzymes also cause damage to the surrounding lung tissue. This can trigger the development of emphysema.
Patients who have a weak immune system tend to develop recurrent respiratory infections. And the collateral damage caused by immune cells while healing these infections can leave lung tissue, including alveoli, damaged. This is how a weak immunity or the response of the immune system to infective pathogens can contribute to the causes of emphysema.
Immunological abnormalities linked to the causes of emphysema
Release of inflammatory markers
There is longstanding evidence that indicates an increase in the release of neutrophils and macrophages in the lungs of patients with emphysema. It has been revealed that cigarette smokers who have a higher tendency to develop emphysema have increased levels of neutrophils and macrophages. These cells are released by the immune system in response to the exposure to smoke. This action of the immune system indicates the role it plays in controlling the risk factors and causes of emphysema. The release of neutrophils and macrophages is believed to be a way adopted by the immune system to protect the lungs against the damage caused to the lungs due to cigarette smoke. However, a long-term release of neutrophils and macrophages by the immune system can result in inflammation in the lungs, which can worsen the symptoms of emphysema. The inflammatory changes in the alveoli of the lungs can reduce their ability to enlarge or collapse during inhalation and exhalation, respectively, due to which patients can develop difficulty in breathing over time. The results of this study have revealed the role of the immune system in triggering the causes of emphysema, especially chronic inflammation. This is why taking steps to regulate immune system functions is highly recommended to control the development of this disease.B Cell Adaptive Immunity
