Obstructive and Restrictive Disease

Question 1

Differentiate between obstructive and restrictive disease.

Answer 1

Obstructive (airway disease)
Increase resistance in airflow due to obstruction.
Increased total lung capacity.

Restrictive disease (parenchymal disease)
Reduced expansion of lung.
Loss of gas transfer SA
Decreased total lung capacity

Question 2

Four types of asthma?

Answer 2

Atopic asthma (IgE mediated hypersensitivty)
Drug Induced asthma
Occupational asthma
Non-atopic asthma

Question 3

Describe the pathogenesis of atopic asthma

Answer 3

Th2 cells produce cytokines

• IL-5 activates eosinophils
• IL-13 stimulates mucus production
• IL-3 and IL-4 stimulates IgE production

Question 4

Describe the effect of emphysema on lung tissue.

Answer 4

Emphysema is abnormal permanent enlargement of air-spaces distal to terminal bronchiole, accompanied by destruction of their walls.

Results in trapping of air in dilated airspaces and loss of elastic recoil due to damaged parenchymal tissue.,

Question 5

What is the pathogenesis involved in damage to alveolar walls?

Answer 5

Damage to alveolar acini
Chronic inflammation
Imbalance of protease/anti-protease activity

Question 6

Describe the process of how smoking causes lung damage in terms of inflammation and protease activity.

Answer 6

Exposure to smoke causes accumulation of neutrophils and macrophages.

Neutrophil/macrophaged incued protease activity inhibits alpha1-antitrypsin and other anti-proteases.

Results in inflammation and protease activity&raquo_space;> anti-protease activity