What causes emphysema?

The causes of emphysema are diverse and mainly include the following factors: 1. Smoking: This is one of the most important factors. Chemical substances in tobacco can damage airway epithelial cells, leading to the development of emphysema. 2. Infections: Viral, bacterial, and mycoplasma infections are significant contributors to acute exacerbations of emphysema. Viruses such as influenza virus, rhinovirus, adenovirus, and respiratory syncytial virus, as well as bacteria like Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae, are particularly notable. 3. Air pollution: Harmful gases in the atmosphere, such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and chlorine gas, can also damage the respiratory mucosa and trigger emphysema. 4. Protease-antiprotease imbalance: A disruption in the balance between proteolytic enzymes and antiproteases leads to destruction of lung tissue structure.