The Diaphragm in COPD

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Abstract
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by increased resistance to airflow, air trapping, and hyperinflation of the lungs. The increased resistance to airflow increases the work and energy required for breathing. Hyperinflation puts the inspiratory muscles, especially the diaphragm, at a mechanical disadvantage. As lung volume increases, the inspiratory muscles are passively shortened by their own elasticity rather than by active contraction. Thus, COPD not only makes it harder to breathe but also impairs the capacity of the respiratory muscles to handle the added load.Most of this ventilatory burden is borne by the inspiratory muscles. One way to . . .