Which disease is known for reducing pulmonary compliance, vital capacity, and causing hypercapnia?

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is characterized by airflow limitation that is not fully reversible, leading to significant changes in lung function. One of the main features of COPD is the reduction of pulmonary compliance, which refers to the ease with which the lungs can expand. In this condition, the lung tissue becomes less elastic due to chronic inflammation and damage, making it harder for the lungs to inflate and deflate properly.

Additionally, vital capacity, which is the maximum amount of air a person can expel from the lungs after maximum inhalation, is often reduced in individuals with COPD. This decreased vital capacity is a direct consequence of the airflow obstruction and structural changes within the lungs.

Hypercapnia, or elevated levels of carbon dioxide in the bloodstream, occurs in COPD due to inadequate ventilation. As the disease progresses, patients may struggle to expel CO2 effectively, leading to its accumulation. The combination of reduced compliance, vital capacity, and the potential for hypercapnia makes COPD a significant respiratory disease with profound effects on pulmonary function.