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A member asked:
Can you please explain why decreased lung compliance is seen in emphysema?
3 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
Emphysema: The breakdown in lung tissue causes the decrease incompliance.
Answered 6/16/2013
5.1k views
Other way around: Actually, lung compliance in increased in emphysema. Compliance of the lung is how "stretchy" the lung is. The more compliant the lung is, the more "stretchy" it is. In emphysema, the lung has been destroyed by smoking (most often), and thus it is more "stretchy" and can fill with air more easily. Conditions which cause decreased lung compliance include fibrosis (scarring) and heart failure.
Answered 6/21/2013
5.1k views
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