What happens to lung compliance in fibrosis?

In the context of pulmonary physiology, lung compliance refers to the ability of the lung tissue to stretch and expand. In conditions such as pulmonary fibrosis, the lung tissue becomes stiff due to excessive collagen formation and the presence of scar tissue. This stiffness leads to a reduced ability of the lungs to expand, thereby decreasing lung compliance.

As fibrosis progresses, the thickening and rigidity of the lung interstitium creates a barrier to normal expansion. This means that more effort is required to achieve the same volume of air in the lungs compared to healthy lung tissue. Consequently, individuals with pulmonary fibrosis often experience shortness of breath and reduced lung volumes, reflecting this decreased compliance.

In summary, lung compliance is decreased in fibrosis due to the increased stiffness of the lung tissue, making it harder for the lungs to expand during inhalation.