Final answer:
Emphysema causes an increase in lung compliance due to the destruction of alveolar walls, resulting in decreased lung elastic recoil and an easier expansion of the lungs, although efficiency in gas exchange may be reduced.
Step-by-step explanation:
Among the given options, Emphysema is the condition that causes an increase in lung compliance. In emphysema, predominantly caused by smoking tobacco, there is destruction of alveolar walls which leads to decreased surface area for gas exchange. However, this destruction also results in decreased lung elastic recoil because of the loss of elastic fibers, which paradoxically increases the compliance of the lungs. Consequently, more air is trapped in the lungs at the end of exhalation. This trait allows the lungs to expand more easily, thus increasing compliance. In contrast, conditions such as pneumonia and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) involve inflammation and fluid accumulation which reduce lung compliance.
It is also important to note the differences in how obstructive diseases such as asthma and pulmonary edema, influence lung function. While diseases like asthma increase airway resistance due to inflammation, emphysema primarily affects compliance. Increased lung compliance means the lungs can inflate more easily, but the trade-off is often a reduced efficiency in gas exchange and the potential to trap air, leading to difficulties in breathing adequately.