What Is the Affect of Emphysema on Expiratory Reserve Volume?

In emphysema, there is a loss of elastic recoil of the lungs. This means that the lungs are not able to recoil and snap back to their original shape after they have been expanded. As a result, the lungs become hyperinflated and the expiratory reserve volume (ERV) is increased.

ERV is the amount of air left in the lungs after a normal exhalation. It is normally about 1 liter in healthy adults. In people with emphysema, the ERV can be increased to 2 or 3 liters. This is because the lungs are not able to expel all of the air that is trapped in them.

The increase in ERV in emphysema can make it difficult to breathe. This is because the diaphragm has to work harder to move air out of the lungs. The increased airway resistance and the loss of elastic recoil make it even harder to breathe.