What change in Work of Breathing (WOB) would you expect in a patient with pulmonary disease?

In patients with pulmonary disease, you would anticipate an increase in Work of Breathing (WOB). This is due to several factors associated with compromised lung function, such as airway obstruction, reduced lung compliance, and increased resistance to airflow. Conditions like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and pulmonary fibrosis can lead to increased respiratory effort as the body struggles to achieve adequate ventilation and oxygenation.

As the respiratory muscles work harder to expand and contract the lungs, the energy expenditure required to breathe rises. This can also be influenced by factors such as hypercapnia (elevated carbon dioxide levels) and hypoxemia (low oxygen levels), which stimulate increased respiratory drive. The increase in WOB can cause fatigue in respiratory muscles, potentially leading to respiratory failure if not properly managed.

This understanding is crucial for both diagnosis and management of patients with pulmonary conditions, where treatment strategies may include bronchodilators, corticosteroids, and mechanical ventilation support to reduce WOB and improve patient outcomes.