What is the effect of pulmonary fibrosis on lung compliance?

• A. Increases
• B. Decreases
• C. Does not affect it
• D. Only affects in extreme cases

Answer: (B)

Pulmonary fibrosis is a condition characterized by the thickening and stiffening of lung tissue due to the accumulation of scar tissue. This change in lung structure results in decreased lung compliance. Compliance refers to the ease with which the lungs can expand during inhalation. When the lung tissues become fibrotic, they lose their elasticity and elasticity is essential for normal lung function. As a result, more effort is needed to expand the lungs, which signifies that compliance has decreased.

In individuals with pulmonary fibrosis, the work of breathing increases and the capacity for gas exchange diminishes. This often leads to symptoms such as shortness of breath and reduced exercise tolerance. The interplay of the stiffened lung parenchyma and impaired gas exchange is a hallmark of pulmonary fibrosis, emphasizing its detrimental effect on lung compliance.