Restrictive Lung Disease

Question 1

List 4 characteristics of restrictive lung disease

Answer 1

Chronic, diffuse, non-infectious
Restrictive spirometry
Inflammation and fibrosis of inter-alveolar septa (interstitium)
Diffuse reticulo-nodular and/or ground-glass patterns on CXR

Question 2

What is the effect of restrictive lung disease on WOB?

Answer 2

Increases elastic WOB

Question 3

What is the most common form of restrictive lung disease?

Answer 3

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Question 4

What is the pattern of breathing in patients with restrictive lung disease?

Answer 4

Rapid, shallow breaths

Question 5

List the 6 key gas exchange and mechanical effects of restrictive lung disease

Answer 5

Increased sensation of breathing
Increased elastic WOB
Reduced lung volumes (FEV1 and FVC)
Altered pattern of breathing (rapid, shallow breaths)
Reduced maximum ventilation
Abnormal gas exchange worsening with exercise

Question 6

What effect does restrictive lung disease have on lung parameters?

Answer 6

Decreased FEV1
Decreased FVC
Normal FEV1/FVC

Question 7

When is maximum ventilation reduced?

Answer 7

Whenever FEV1 is reduced