What Role Does Histology Play in Chronic Respiratory Diseases?
Chronic respiratory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma demonstrate specific histological features. In COPD, there is destruction of alveolar walls, leading to enlarged airspaces and decreased surface area for gas exchange. The bronchial walls show thickening due to inflammation and fibrosis. In asthma, there is increased smooth muscle mass, goblet cell hyperplasia, and basement membrane thickening. These changes can be observed using immunohistochemical techniques to identify specific cell types and proteins.
