How Does Increased Compliance Affect Lung Function?
While increased lung compliance might sound beneficial, it actually hampers lung function in several ways:
Reduced Elastic Recoil: The lungs do not return to their original shape as easily, making it difficult to expel air. Impaired Gas Exchange: With fewer and larger alveoli, the surface area for gas exchange is reduced. Air Trapping: Difficulty in expelling air leads to air trapping, which can cause hyperinflation of the lungs.
