what is obstructive and restrictive lung disease

Obstructive vs Restrictive Lung Disease

Obstructive vs Restrictive Lung Disease


Feature Obstructive Lung Disease Restrictive Lung Disease
Definition Characterized by increased resistance to airflow, mainly during expiration Characterized by reduced lung expansion and decreased lung volumes
Primary Problem Airflow limitation due to obstruction or narrowing of airways Reduced lung compliance or lung volume
Examples - Asthma - Chronic bronchitis - Emphysema - COPD - Bronchiectasis - Pulmonary fibrosis - Sarcoidosis - Pneumoconiosis - Obesity - Neuromuscular disorders (e.g., ALS) - Scoliosis
Lung Volumes - ↑ Total Lung Capacity (TLC) - ↑ Residual Volume (RV) - ↓ Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 sec (FEV₁) - ↓ TLC - ↓ RV - ↓ FEV₁ and FVC, but FEV₁/FVC ratio is normal or increased
FEV₁/FVC Ratio Decreased (< 70%) Normal or Increased (> 80%)
Symptoms - Prolonged expiration - Wheezing - Dyspnea (shortness of breath) - Productive cough (in chronic bronchitis) - Rapid, shallow breathing - Dyspnea on exertion - Dry cough
Chest X-ray - Hyperinflated lungs - Flattened diaphragm (especially in emphysema) - Reduced lung volume - Reticulonodular or ground-glass appearance in interstitial lung disease
Pathophysiology - Airway narrowing - Loss of elastic recoil (emphysema) - Mucus hypersecretion (chronic bronchitis) - Fibrosis or stiffness of lungs - Weak respiratory muscles - Chest wall deformities

 In Simple Words:

  • Obstructive = Air can’t get out easily (blocked/narrowed airways).

  • Restrictive = Lungs can’t expand fully (stiff lungs or weak muscles).

Clinical Tip:

  • Obstructive diseases: Think "difficulty breathing out," e.g., patients take a long time to exhale.

  • Restrictive diseases: Think "difficulty breathing in," with reduced lung capacity.


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