Final answer:
Duchenne's muscular dystrophy includes a restrictive ventilatory defect as a pulmonary change, where stiffened airways lead to lower FVC and difficulty in exhalation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Pulmonary changes associated with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), a genetic disorder characterized by progressive muscle degeneration and weakness, indeed include a restrictive ventilatory defect. DMD is caused by the absence or deficiency of dystrophin, a protein essential for maintaining the structural integrity of muscle cells.
The restrictive ventilatory defect observed in DMD is akin to that seen in restrictive lung diseases such as pulmonary fibrosis. In restrictive diseases, the lung tissue becomes stiff and less compliant, limiting its ability to expand during inhalation. This reduced lung compliance hinders the normal exchange of air, leading to a lower forced vital capacity (FVC).
Individuals with Duchenne muscular dystrophy may experience difficulties with breathing, particularly in terms of exhalation. The impaired lung function can result in the inability to exhale a normal volume of air, contributing to respiratory challenges in affected individuals. Regular monitoring of pulmonary function is crucial in managing the respiratory aspects of Duchenne muscular dystrophy.