Which of the following terms refers to the increased lung compliance seen in patients with COPD?

The term that refers to the increased lung compliance seen in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the loss of elastic recoil. In the context of COPD, particularly emphysema, the structure and function of lung tissues are altered, leading to a decrease in the elastic properties of the lungs. This loss of elastic recoil means that the lungs are less able to return to their original position after inhalation, resulting in increased compliance, which allows for greater lung expansion during inhalation.

As the disease progresses, the air sacs (alveoli) become damaged and lose their elasticity, which contributes to the difficulty in expelling air from the lungs. This results in air trapping and an overall increase in lung volumes at functional residual capacity (FRC). Therefore, increased lung compliance is a direct consequence of the structural changes in lung elastin and connective tissue loss, which are hallmark features of COPD, particularly in emphysema.

Understanding this connection is crucial, as it informs treatment approaches and management strategies for patients with COPD, as well as helping in differentiating it from other pulmonary conditions that may present different compliance characteristics.