What effect does bronchospasm have on lung compliance?

Bronchospasm, a condition characterized by the contraction of smooth muscles in the airways, has a significant impact on lung compliance. When bronchospasm occurs, the airways become narrowed, leading to increased resistance to airflow. This narrowing makes it more difficult for air to move in and out of the lungs, which in turn affects the lung's ability to expand and contract effectively.

Compliance refers to the ability of the lung and thoracic cavity to stretch and expand. In the presence of bronchospasm, the effective area for gas exchange is reduced and the effort required to ventilate the lungs increases. This situation results in decreased lung compliance because the lungs do not expand as readily as they would under normal conditions.

Therefore, the correct understanding is that bronchospasm has a detrimental effect on lung compliance by making the lungs stiffer and less compliant, thereby leading to decreased compliance.