Low compliance indicates a stiff lung (one with high elastic recoil) and can be thought of as a thick balloon – this is the case often seen in fibrosis.
High compliance indicates a pliable lung (one with low elastic recoil) and can be thought of as a grocery bag – this is the case often seen in emphysema.
It can be calculated with the formula: where Pplat is measured at the end of inhalation and prior to exhalation by using an inspiratory hold maneuver.
If the alveolus were to collapse, a great force would be required to open it, meaning that compliance would decrease drastically.
[4] Low compliance indicates a stiff lung and means extra work is required to bring in a normal volume of air.
These enzymes are secreted by leukocytes (white blood cells) in response to a variety of inhaled irritants, such as cigarette smoke.
This is due to the fact that a highly compliant lung results in many Atelectasis which makes inflation difficult.