There are two types oflung diseases: obstructive lung disease and restrictive lung disease.
Restrictive lung diseases such as pulmonary fibrosis make it harder toinhaleair.
Illustration by Tara Anand for Verywell Health
Click Play to Learn the Difference Between Obstructive vs.
Illustration by Tara Anand for Verywell Health
Restrictive Lung Disease
This video has been medically reviewed bySanja Jelic, MD.
The trapped air and lung hyperinflation are changes that contribute to worsening respiratory symptoms.
Restrictive lung diseases cause a reduced total lung capacity.
Restrictive lung diseases can be because of intrinsic, extrinsic, or neurological factors.
This often worsens with activity.
Narrowing of the airways can causewheezing, as well as increased mucus (sputum) production.
The feeling can even cause anxiety at times.
Pulmonary Function Tests
Spirometryis a common test used to see how well your lungs are functioning.
It measures how much air you inhale and how much and how quickly you exhale.
Like imaging studies, it can sometimes help diagnose the underlying condition thats causing obstructive or restrictive lung disease.
Inhaled or oral steroids are also frequently used to reduce inflammation.
This is also true for intrinsic restrictive lung diseases like pneumonia.
Other conditions can be harder to treat.
For example, until recently, there was little that could be done totreat idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
Today, there are drugs available that can reduce the progression.
Summary
Obstructive and restrictive lung diseases have some similar symptoms but different causes and treatments.
Its possible that a lung condition can go from being obstructive to being restrictive.
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