Mechanical behavior of the airway wall in respiratory disease
Mohammad Maghsoudi-Ganjeh, Samaneh Sattari, Mona Eskandari
Abstract
The biomechanical behavior of the airways can be altered due to pathological remodeling, causing obstruction and limiting airflow. Airway damaging lung diseases, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, are massive economic and societal burdens, yet a clear mechanistic understanding of the systemic and interdependent alterations in diseased airway behavior is still under development. In this brief review, the mechanical behavior of the airway wall corresponding to structural remodeling alterations are categorized at the tissue and microstructural levels, critically revisited through recent works from the past three years, and contextualized within the broader literature. The functional consequences of airway material adaptation and the impact on overall lung health is discussed. Lastly, unresolved questions and ideas for future pulmonary mechanics research directions aimed at the inauguration of diagnostic improvements and treatment of airway diseases are provided.