Decreased lung compliance

Definition

Decreased lung compliance refers to the reduced ability of the lungs to expand during inhalation, making it more difficult for air to fill the lungs. This condition is often associated with restrictive pulmonary disorders, where the lung tissue is stiff or damaged, leading to an increase in work required for breathing. When compliance is decreased, patients may experience shortness of breath and may have difficulty taking deep breaths, impacting their overall respiratory function.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Decreased lung compliance can be caused by various factors, including pulmonary fibrosis, pneumonia, and conditions affecting the chest wall like obesity or scoliosis.
2. In patients with decreased compliance, the work of breathing increases significantly because the lungs require more effort to inflate.
3. A common clinical measure used to assess lung compliance is the static compliance measurement taken during mechanical ventilation.
4. Decreased lung compliance may lead to hypoxemia due to inadequate oxygenation as less air enters the alveoli effectively.
5. Patients with decreased lung compliance often benefit from supplemental oxygen therapy and strategies aimed at improving lung expansion.

Review Questions

• How does decreased lung compliance affect a patient's breathing pattern and overall respiratory effort?
  • Decreased lung compliance results in a stiffer lung that does not expand easily during inhalation. As a consequence, patients typically exhibit rapid and shallow breathing patterns as they attempt to compensate for the reduced ability to take deep breaths. This increased respiratory effort can lead to fatigue and further exacerbate shortness of breath, ultimately affecting their oxygen levels and overall health.
• Discuss the impact of decreased lung compliance on oxygen exchange in patients with restrictive pulmonary disorders.
  • In patients with decreased lung compliance, the limited expansion of the lungs means that less air reaches the alveoli where gas exchange occurs. This can result in reduced surface area for oxygen absorption and carbon dioxide elimination, leading to hypoxemia. Over time, inadequate oxygen exchange can contribute to more serious complications such as respiratory failure if not managed effectively.
• Evaluate the treatment options available for managing decreased lung compliance and their potential effectiveness.
  • Management strategies for decreased lung compliance focus on improving lung function and oxygenation. Treatments may include corticosteroids to reduce inflammation in conditions like pulmonary fibrosis, physical therapy to enhance respiratory mechanics, and mechanical ventilation in severe cases. Additionally, supplemental oxygen can help alleviate hypoxemia. The effectiveness of these treatments varies depending on the underlying cause of decreased compliance but aims at enhancing patient comfort and improving respiratory outcomes.

Related terms

Restrictive Lung Disease: A category of pulmonary disorders characterized by reduced lung volume and decreased capacity for lung expansion.

Fibrosis:

The formation of excess fibrous connective tissue in the lungs, which can lead to stiffness and decreased compliance.

Tidal Volume: The amount of air that is inhaled or exhaled during normal breathing, which can be affected by lung compliance.