Question

Compliance is decreased if lung tissue becomes thickened or there is a lack of surfactant, and the muscles have to work harder to breathe. What are two examples of this problem?

a) emphysema and infant respiratory distress syndrome
b) alveolar scar tissue from tuberculosis and infant respiratory distress syndrome
c) emphysema and scar tissue from tuberculosis
d) emphysema and chronic bronchitis

Answer 1

Infant respiratory distress syndrome and pulmonary fibrosis are two conditions that demonstrate decreased lung compliance, resulting in more difficult breathing and lower forced vital capacity (FVC) on spirometry tests.

Step-by-step explanation:

Lung tissue thickening or lack of surfactant decreases compliance, which means that your muscles have to work harder to breathe. Two examples of conditions where compliance is decreased are infant respiratory distress syndrome (IRDS) and pulmonary fibrosis. IRDS is a condition where infants lack sufficient surfactant, leading to increased lung stiffness and difficulty in breathing. Pulmonary fibrosis involves the formation of scar tissue within the lungs, leading to decreased lung compliance and restrictive lung disease.

As a result, conditions like IRDS and pulmonary fibrosis are characterized by a restrictive pattern in pulmonary function tests such as spirometry. The forced vital capacity (FVC) is significantly reduced, indicating the lungs cannot effectively hold or expel air. These diseases greatly prolong the time it takes to exhale air and result in high intrapleural pressure and potential air trapping in the lungs during exhalation.