Overview
The total lung capacity refers to the volume of air within the lungs after a maximal inspiration.
Normal Range
- 80 - 120% predicted
Increased Total Lung Capacity
Increased TLC (>120% predicted) indicates hyperinflation.
Causes of Increased Total Lung Capacity
- Emphysema
- Asthma
- Acromegaly
- Athletes
Reduced Total Lung Capacity
Reduced TLC (<80% predicted) indicates restrictive disease.
Causes of Reduced Total Lung Capacity
- Parenchymal disease - pulmonary fibrosis, sarcoidosis, atelectasis
- Pleural disease - pleural effusion, pneumothorax
- Chest wall deformity - kyphosis, scoliosis, morbid obesity
- Neurologic / neuromuscular / muscular disorder - motor neurone disease, Guillain-Barre, muscular dystrophy, myaesthenia gravis
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