This exposure leads to a cascade of inflammation, infection, and prostease enzyme imbalance that leads to the destruction of the connective tissues of the bronchi and acini of the lungs. Chronic bronc...This exposure leads to a cascade of inflammation, infection, and prostease enzyme imbalance that leads to the destruction of the connective tissues of the bronchi and acini of the lungs. Chronic bronchitis is defined clinically by productive cough, whereas emphysema is defined pathologically by the presence of permanent and abnormal enlargement and destruction of the air spaces distal to the terminal bronchioles.
