Definition and Classification of Obstructive Airway Diseases

Comparison Between Obstructive and Restrictive Lung Diseases

Obstructive airway diseases and restrictive lung diseases are two major categories of respiratory disorders, each impacting lung function differently.

Obstructive Airway Diseases

These conditions are characterized by airflow limitation due to airway obstruction. Common examples include:

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
• Asthma
• Bronchiectasis

Patients experience difficulty exhaling, leading to air trapping and hyperinflation.

Restrictive Lung Diseases

Restrictive lung diseases primarily cause a reduction in lung volume due to impaired expansion. Examples include:

• Interstitial Lung Disease
• Pulmonary Fibrosis
• Neuromuscular Disorders

Unlike obstructive diseases, restrictive conditions limit inhalation rather than exhalation.

Key Differences

• Obstructive diseases affect airflow during expiration, while restrictive diseases affect lung expansion.
• Obstructive conditions lead to air trapping, whereas restrictive conditions reduce total lung capacity.
• Spirometry distinguishes them: FEV1/FVC ratio is reduced in obstructive disease but normal or increased in restrictive disease.

Proper diagnosis and management depend on understanding these distinctions, ensuring targeted treatment strategies.