Inflammatory processes in lung tissue and premature aging of the lung cells each play a role in the development of COPD.
Inflammatory processes in lung tissue play a crucial role in the development of COPD. The main cause is assumed to be a reaction of lung tissue to chronic exposure to toxic gases or particles such as from cigarette smoke.
This results in excessive mucus production, cough and remodeling processes in the airways as well as the loss of alveoli, which are therefore no longer available for gas exchange. Increased activation of the immune system appear to be involved in these processes because the immune cell count in the lungs of COPD patients is significantly elevated.
Furthermore, premature aging of the lung cells is considered a factor favoring the development of COPD.
In a study, researchers demonstrated in an animal model that there is an association between advancing age and increased inflammation processes, especially if the lung is additionally exposed to cigarette smoke.
“Our results show that age-related inflammatory changes play an important role in accelerated COPD development,” researchers said.
