Restrictive

Restrictive lung disease is a category of respiratory disease characterized by a loss of lung compliance, causing incomplete lung expansion and increased lung stiffness, such as in pulmonary fibrosis and pneumoconiosis. This is in contrast to obstructive lung disease.

Types

Restrictive lung diseases may be due to specific causes which can be intrinsic to the parenchyma of the lung, or extrinsic to it.

Intrinsic

Intrinsic restrictive lung diseases are characterized by a specific condition within the lung itself that causes a restriction of air flow. Examples include:

• Pulmonary fibrosis: This is a condition that causes the lung tissue to become scarred, causing the walls of the air sacs of the lungs to become thicker, therefore, the lungs lose their elasticity and become stiff.
• Pneumoconiosis: This is a condition caused by inhaling dust particles, including silicosis, asbestosis, and black lung disease.

Extrinsic

Extrinsic restrictive lung diseases are conditions that cause the restriction of lung expansion from outside the lung. Examples include:

• Pleural effusion: This is a condition where fluid builds up in the pleural space, the area between the lungs and the chest wall, which can restrict the lungs from fully expanding.
• Obesity: Obesity can cause a restriction in lung expansion due to excess weight pressing on the lungs.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of restrictive lung disease include:

• Shortness of breath
• Cough
• Weight loss
• Fatigue
• Wheezing

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of restrictive lung disease typically involves pulmonary function tests including spirometry, and imaging tests such as a chest X-ray or CT scan.

Treatment

Treatment for restrictive lung disease typically involves treating the underlying condition causing the restriction. This may include medication, oxygen therapy, or in severe cases, a lung transplant.

See also

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• Asthma
• Pneumonia

Restrictive Resources
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