Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised Jul 9, 2026

Dynamic compression of the airways

Dynamic compression of the airways results when intrapleural pressure equals or exceeds alveolar pressure, which causes dynamic collapsing of the lung airways. It is termed dynamic given the transpulmonary pressure varies based on factors including lung volume, compliance, resistance, existing pathologies, etc.

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Jul 9, 2026
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Dynamic compression of the airways results when intrapleural pressure equals or exceeds alveolar pressure, which causes dynamic collapsing of the lung airways. It is termed dynamic given the transpulmonary pressure (alveolar pressure − intrapleural pressure) varies based on factors including lung volume, compliance, resistance, existing pathologies, etc.1

It occurs during forced expiration when intrapleural pressure is greater than atmospheric pressure (positive barometric values), and not during passive expiration when intrapleural pressure remains at subatmospheric pressures (negative barometric values). Clinically, dynamic compression is most commonly associated with the wheezing sound during forced expiration, such as in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD).23

References

References

  1. Michael G. Levitzky (2003). Pulmonary Physiology. McGraw Hill Professional. ISBN 978-0-07-138765-1.
  2. M.S., Zach (March 2000). "The Physiology of Forced Expiration". Paediatric Respiratory Reviews. 1 (1): 36–39. doi:10.1053/prrv.2000.0010. PMID 16263442.
  3. Roger Thies (6 December 2012). Physiology. Springer Science & Business Media. pp. 129–. ISBN 978-1-4612-4198-0.
Further reading

Further reading