Contribution of air pollution to COPD and small airway dysfunction. Issue 2 (27th September 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Berend, Norbert
• Is Part Of: Respirology. Volume 21:Issue 2(2016)
• Page Start: 237
• Page End: 244
• Publication Date: 2015-09-27
• Subjects: air pollution -- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease -- peripheral airway -- spirometry -- study design; Respiratory organs -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Respiratory organs -- Periodicals; 612.2
• DOI: 10.1111/resp.12644
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1323-7799

Abstract

Abstract: Although in many Western countries levels of ambient air pollution have been improving with the setting of upper limits and better urban planning, air pollution in developing countries and particularly those with rapid industrialization has become a major global problem. Together with increased motor vehicle ownership and traffic congestion, there is a growing issue with airborne particles of respirable size. These particles are thought responsible for respiratory and cardiovascular effects and have also been implicated in cancer pathogenesis. The pathologic effects in the lung are mediated via inflammatory pathways and involve oxidative stress similar to cigarette smoking. These effects are seen in the peripheral airways where the smaller particle fractions are deposited and lead to airway remodelling. However, emphysema and loss of bronchioles seen with cigarette smoking have not been described with ambient air pollution, and there are few studies specifically looking at peripheral airway function. Definitive evidence of air pollution causing COPD is lacking and a different study design is required to link air pollution and COPD.