Question

Lung compliance is a measure of the lung's ability to stretch and expand. If low compliance indicates a stiff lung, and high compliance indicates the opposite, which of the following would be true in the case of an emphysematous lung?

• A. High compliance
• B. Low compliance
• C. Could be A or B depending on other factors
• D. Emphysema does not affect lung compliance

Answer 1

The correct option is A High compliance

In the case of emphysema, the destruction of alveolar walls occurs, resulting in the loss of elasticity, and loosening of the lung walls. Thus, lung compliance would be higher than normal in the case of an emphysema patient. On the contrary, diseases such as pulmonary fibrosis would cause stiffening of the lungs, indicating low compliance.