Restrictive Lung Disease Definition: Restrictive lung disease is a category of respiratory disorders characterized by a decrease in lung volume, which results in reduced expansion of the lungs during inhalation. This can be due to intrinsic factors affecting lung tissue or extrinsic factors related to the chest wall or pleura.
Example of Restrictive Lung Disease: An example of a restrictive lung disease is pulmonary fibrosis. This condition involves the thickening and scarring of lung tissue, leading to reduced elasticity of the lungs.
Effects on Airways and Lungs: In restrictive lung disease, the lung tissue becomes stiff and less compliant, meaning it has a harder time expanding when the chest cavity enlarges during inspiration. In pulmonary fibrosis, the lung parenchyma becomes fibrotic, which impairs the gas exchange process and restricts the amount of air the lungs can take in.
Phase of Respiration Most Affected: The phase of respiration most affected in restrictive lung disease is inspiration. During inspiration, the lungs are unable to fully expand due to their reduced compliance. This leads to less air entering the lungs during this phase, while expiration may not be dramatically affected, as the lungs may still expel air normally but can’t fill adequately in the first place.
Key Terms:
- Inspiration: The process of inhaling air into the lungs. In restrictive lung disease, this process is compromised due to the reduced ability of the lungs to expand.
- Expiration: The process of exhaling air from the lungs. While it may remain largely unaffected, the limited amount of air inhaled reduces overall ventilation efficiency.
- Pulmonary Compliance: A measure of the lung's ability to stretch and expand. In restrictive lung diseases, pulmonary compliance is decreased, meaning the lungs are stiffer and less able to expand during inspiration, leading to reduced total lung capacity (TLC).