A substance called elastase destroys the alveoli's ability to expand and contract. According to Dr. E. M. Drost in a study published in the American Journal of Respiratory Molecular Biology, air pollutants cause the destruction of the elastic fibers of the alveoli by stimulating the production of elastase. The current medical treatments for asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema are dangerous steroid-type drugs and albuterol inhalers. Even though these drugs and inhalers can make you more comfortable and prevent emergency room visits, they do nothing to alleviate the primary causes of breathing difficulties. How Emphysema Occurs Millions of tiny, flexible air sacs called alveoli connect to the bronchial tubes and blood vessels.
Air pollutants stimulate the production of elastase, which weakens the elasticity of the alveoli.
When a substantial amount of elasticity is lost, the alveoli have difficulty pushing the carbon dioxide out, and you have a dangerous condition called emphysema. Recently, three substances have been found that deter the damage to the elastic alveoli. Each substance takes a different approach and should be used in combination for the greatest protection. Doctors Gloria Massaro and Donald Massoro at the Georgetown University School of Medicine reported in the medical journal Nature Medicine that they were able to reverse elastase damage to the alveoli of animals with a simple vitamin-type substance called retinoic acid. Dr. Li Changeheng of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences has found that he can stop the elastase damage with an extract from a certain Forsythia bush, Frutus forsythiae.