Restrictive Lung Disease

Restrictive lung conditions are a diverse group of pulmonary conditions characterized by restrictive spirometry patterns. Lower lung distensibility compromises lung expansion, resulting in reduced lung volumes, especially when total lung capacity is reduced (TLC). These functional and other characteristics distinguish them from obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD), bronchiectasis, asthma, emphysema, and bronchiolitis, which are characterized by increased resistance to flow due to partial or complete obstruction at any level, from the trachea to the terminal bronchioles. Restrictive syndromes make up around a fifth of all pulmonary syndromes, while obstructive syndromes make up the vast majority (80 percent). The deterioration of distal lung parenchyma due to infiltrates from inflammation, toxins, and yet-to-be-elucidated mechanisms (intrinsic conditions) as well as extra parenchymal conditions (extra parenchymal conditions) can induce restrictive lung disorders (extrinsic causes). Diseases defined by inflammatory alterations involving the alveolar interstitium with possible involvement of peripheral bronchial tissues  fall into the first category. The disorders that cause this devastation are classified as interstitial lung diseases (ILDs).