Difference between Obstructive and Restrictive Lung Disease

Restrictive vs. Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Causes, Symptoms & Tests

Obstructive and restrictive lung diseases affect breathing in different ways. Restrictive lung diseases make it difficult to inhale and expand the lungs, while the latter makes it difficult to exhale. Both of these can cause shortness of breath, but their medications and underlying treatments are different.

What are the Differences Between Obstructive and Restrictive Lung Disease?

Obstructive and restrictive bronchitis exhibit different characteristics and properties, which we will discuss in the following table:

How to Diagnose Restrictive and Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases?

Both of these respiratory diseases primarily rely on pulmonary function tests, clinical evaluation and imaging studies.

In this section, there will be a detailed insight into the different types of diagnostic tests to detect both of these pulmonary diseases.

1. Pulmonary Function Tests

• Spirometry:This test monitors and measures the speed and quantity of air a person can breathe during exhalation and inhalation. It monitors and detects any kind of underlying lung disease.

• FEV1/FVC Ratio: It is the ratio of forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) to forced vital capacity (FVC) is a key indicator. A lower ratio suggests airflow obstruction..

• Lung Volumes: Lung volumes refer to the total lung capacity and residual volume, which are essential diagnostic tests in PFTs. Reduced lung volumes are typically seen in restrictive pulmonary diseases.

• Flow-Volume Loops: This test creates a graphical interpretation of forced exhalation and inhalation. Graphical representations help doctors to visualise the nature of the airflow limitation.     

2. Imaging Studies

• Chest X-rays:Normal X-rays can detect abnormalities in lung tissues, which may suggest the presence of restrictive or obstructive lung diseases.

• CT Scans:CT scans usually offer a detailed and clear view of the lungs and are useful for the identification of any kind of structural changes in the lung tissues.   

3. Clinical Evaluations

• Physical Examination: Doctors primarily perform physical examinations to identify any signs of lung diseases. These include the use of accessory muscles for breathing or increased lung sounds.  

• Symptoms: Doctors examine the common symptoms of both restrictive and obstructive lung diseases, like cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness.

• History: In some cases, doctors conduct a thorough medical history to check smoking history or exposure to specific environmental factors, which can develop potential causes of lung diseases.

What are the Treatments for Obstructive and Restrictive Lung Diseases?

Common treatments for both restrictive and obstructive lung diseases are as follows:

• Medications: Inhalers and anti-inflammatory drugs, such as bronchodilators and Esbriet or Ofev, are helpfulin idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.  

• Oxygen Therapy: Doctors provide supportive oxygen therapy to help individuals get enough oxygen.

• Pulmonary Rehabilitation: Healthcare providers conduct a series of exercises and education to strengthen the lungs and improve breathing.

Early detection is important for understanding the symptoms, and proper medications can ease the symptoms.