What are restrictive pulmonary disorders?

• A. Disorders that restrict airflow.
• B. Disorders that obstruct airflow and cause wheezing.
• C. Disorders primarily affecting the heart.
• D. Disorders that increase lung volume.

Answer: (A)

Restrictive pulmonary disorders are conditions that limit the lungs' ability to expand, so overall lung volumes are reduced. The lungs and/or chest wall become stiff or weak, making it hard to take in a full breath. This leads to decreases in total lung capacity and vital capacity, and often results in rapid, shallow breathing as the body tries to get enough oxygen with smaller breaths. Causes include interstitial or fibrotic lung disease, obesity, scoliosis or other chest wall deformities, and neuromuscular weakness. Because the key problem is restricted expansion rather than narrowed airways, the description that fits best is disorders that restrict airflow. This contrasts with obstructive disorders, where airflow limitation occurs during exhalation due to narrowed airways and often presents with wheeze.