Antioxidants

The pathogenesis of COPD is closely linked to the effects of cigarette smok e. It has been proposed that an increased oxidant burden occurs in smokers and patients with COPD which produces an imbalance between oxidants and ant ioxidants. The oxidative stress so created in the lungs, is thought to have a role in the pathogenesis of COPD, both by direct injurious effects on lu ng cells and by enhancing lung inflammation. Antioxidant therapy may not on ly protect the lung against the injurious effects of oxidative stress but m ay have anti-inflammatory properties in COPD.