Most patients with COPD have features of both emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Etiology Inflammatory cells in the lung release elastase , a proteolytic enzyme.
Elastase digests the elastin of the lung.
Normal elastin in the lung causes the alveoli to contract. The mucus hypersecretion is from hypertrophy of the bronchial glands. These may be due to renal dysfunction, and not direct cardiac dysfunction. Renal dysfunction causing salt and water retention. No Electrons were harmed in making this Webpage.