Obstructive vs Restrictive Lung Disorders

Question 1

What do obstructive lung issues mean?

Answer 1

there is resistance to flow

Question 2

Give examples of obstructive lung disorders

Answer 2

• asthma

- chronic bronchitis

Question 3

How does asthma lead to obstructive lung disorder?

Answer 3

there is narrowing of the airways which means there is resistance to air flow

Question 4

How does chronic bronchitis lead to obstructive lung disorder?

Answer 4

Inflammation in the bronchioles causes mucus to build up which means there is resistance to air flow

Question 5

What two things need to be overcome in order to breath?

Answer 5

the stiffness of the lungs and the resistance of the airways must be overcome to breath

Question 6

Give examples of restrictive lung issues

Answer 6

fibrosis - reduced lung compliance

respiratory distress syndrome - reduced surfactant production

Question 7

What do restrictive lung issues mean?

Answer 7

there is reduced lung capacity

Question 8

How does fibrosis lead to restrictive lung issues?

Answer 8

this involves thickening and scarring of the alveolar membranes which means that there is reduced lung compliance

Question 9

What is spirometry a measure of? What does it yield?

Answer 9

it measures pulmonary function and yields a trace with multiple volumes and capacities

Question 10

What can spirometry discern between and why?

Answer 10

because spirometry measures both volume and rate of inhalation/exhalation, it can discern between obstructive and restrictive issues