Enzymes are also involved in areas of inflammation and tissue injury where they occur as a result of cell damage. When this deficiency occurs, the lung is poorly protected from destructive enzymes and loss of lung tissue occurs, leading to a condition called emphysema. Emphysema is an irreversible condition which results from destruction of air sacs in the lungs. The air-sacs normally allow for absorption of oxygen into the blood and for the elimination of waste carbon dioxide. If they are destroyed, less oxygen enters the blood and breathlessness results.
Cigarette smoking is the commonest cause of emphysema.
The commonest symptom in emphysema is breathlessness which gets worse as the emphysema progresses. You should discuss this with your doctor. It is important to avoid prolonged exposure to dust, fumes and especially cigarette smoke. These pollutants can cause an acceleration in the rate at which lung tissue is destroyed. The MM , MS and MZ phenotypes, which are quite common, are adequate to protect the lung against destruction.