Pulsus Paradoxus and Asthma

Asthma, emphysema and other interstitial lung diseases (like sarcoidosis) increase pulmonary vascular pressure by a) physical obstruction secondary to
air (emphysema, asthma...) or fibrosis (sarcoidosis) and b) hypercapnia and metabolic acidosis induced bronchial vasoconstriction secondary to decreased respiratory rate (Asthma). Like the above posters said, increased pulmonary pressure increases right ventricular afterload causing a space occupying shift of the right ventricle into the left ventricle. This becomes apparent with inspiration because as you increase venous return but maintain pulmonary resistance the right ventricle will expand, not pump as effectively, and push against the left ventricle.

The following article confirms http://ift.tt/1RNvvK9 "Mechanism of Paradoxic Pulse in Bronchial Asthma"

Superior Vena Cava syndrome induced neck edema can decrease the lumen of the trachea and cause dyspnea. It's possible that the increased airway resistance is keeping more air in the lungs which physically obstructs pulmonary vasculature in a manner similar to Asthma. However I don't think this is the case, as superior vena cava syndrome is considered "Non-pulmonary and non-cardiac" according to wikipedia. If anyone can shed light on this issue it'd be much appreciated!

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Pulsus Paradoxus and Asthma