chest wall compliance

Chest wall compliance refers to the ability of the chest wall to expand and contract during breathing. A compliant chest wall can easily stretch, allowing the lungs to fill with air and empty effectively. Factors like age, injury, or certain health conditions can affect this flexibility, making breathing more difficult. When compliance is low, the chest wall becomes stiffer, requiring more effort to inhale and exhale, which can lead to fatigue and respiratory issues. Understanding chest wall compliance helps in diagnosing and managing respiratory problems.