Obstructive Vs. Restrictive Respiratory Diseases

Question 1

What are the two main types of respiratory disorders discussed?

Answer 1

Obstructive and restrictive respiratory disorders

Question 2

What anatomical structures are involved in normal lung function?

Answer 2

Airways, alveoli, lung parenchyma, ribs, intercostal muscles, diaphragm

Lung parenchyma refers to the functional tissue of the lungs where gas exchange occurs. It consists of the alveoli, alveolar ducts, and respiratory bronchioles. Interstitial tissues can also be included in this definitio

Question 3

What is the role of elastic tissue in the lungs?

Answer 3

Helps keep airways open and allows for lung recoil

Question 4

What term describes the stretchiness of the lung tissue?

Answer 4

Compliance

Question 5

What term describes the lung’s ability to snap back after stretching?

Answer 5

Recoil

Question 6

What is tidal volume?

Answer 6

The amount of air breathed in and out during quiet breathing

Question 7

What is inspiratory reserve volume?

Answer 7

The amount of air that can be inhaled after a normal tidal volume inhalation

Question 8

What is expiratory reserve volume?

Answer 8

The amount of air that can be exhaled after a normal tidal volume exhalation

Question 9

What is residual volume?

Answer 9

The amount of air remaining in the lungs after forced expiration

Question 10

What is total lung capacity?

Answer 10

The maximum amount of air the lungs can hold

Question 11

What is vital capacity?

Answer 11

The total amount of air that can be exhaled after a maximal inhalation

Question 12

What does a restrictive respiratory disorder affect?

Answer 12

The lungs’ ability to expand, reducing compliance

Question 13

What are examples of extrinsic causes of restrictive respiratory disorders?

Answer 13

• Brain or brain stem issues
• Nerve damage affecting diaphragm
• Muscle disorders (e.g., polio)
• Skeletal issues (e.g., broken ribs, scoliosis, kyphosis)

Question 14

What are intrinsic causes of restrictive respiratory disorders?

Answer 14

• Pneumonia
• Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
• Pulmonary fibrosis

Question 15

What happens to compliance and recoil in restrictive disorders?

Answer 15

Poor compliance and high recoil

Question 16

How does a restrictive lung appear on a pulmonary function test?

Answer 16

Reduced tidal volume, inspiratory reserve volume, expiratory reserve volume, residual volume, total lung capacity, and vital capacity

Question 17

What defines an obstructive respiratory disorder?

Answer 17

Something obstructs the airways, blocking airflow

Question 18

What are examples of obstructive respiratory disorders?

Answer 18

• Asthma
• Chronic bronchitis
• Emphysema

Question 19

What happens to elastic tissue in emphysema?

Answer 19

Destruction of elastic tissue leads to airway collapse

Question 20

What is the effect of obstructive disorders on compliance and recoil?

Answer 20

Increased compliance and poor recoil

Question 21

What is a common physical characteristic of individuals with emphysema?

Answer 21

Barrel chest due to increased total lung capacity

Question 22

What changes occur in the volumes for obstructive respiratory disorders?

Answer 22

• Decreased expiratory reserve volume
• Increased residual volume
• Increased total lung capacity

Question 23

What is the significance of pulmonary function tests?

Answer 23

They help determine whether a respiratory disorder is restrictive or obstructive

Question 24

What do restrictive lung disorders cause?

Answer 24

Reduced lung compliance, making it difficult for the lungs to expand during inhalation and leading to reduced lung volumes.

Question 25

What is reduced lung compliance?

Answer 25

Impairment of the lungs' ability to expand and hold air.

Question 26

What happens to elastic recoil in restrictive lung disorders?

Answer 26

Increased elastic recoil, making it easier to exhale quickly.

Question 27

What characterizes increased elastic recoil in restrictive disorders?

Answer 27

The lungs become stiff and more resistant to stretching.

Question 28

What is the result of reduced compliance and increased recoil?

Answer 28

Smaller lung volumes, meaning less air can be inhaled.

Question 29

What difficulties do patients face with inhalation in restrictive lung disorders?

Answer 29

The stiff, less compliant lungs require more effort to expand.

Question 30

What makes exhalation easier in restrictive lung disorders?

Answer 30

High elastic recoil allows the lungs to forcefully recoil inward, pushing air out.