Restrictive Lung Diseases

What are restrictive lung diseases?

The chest wall plays an important role in the action of breathing. It is composed of respiratory muscles, nerves that connect the respiratory muscles and central nervous system, the bony structures etc. Restrictive lung disease restricts breathing. It can be defined as a chronic disorder that affects the ability to breathe in and distribution of oxygen to the other parts of the body.

What are the symptoms of restrictive lung diseases?

Symptoms of restrictive lung diseases may include:

  • fatigue

  • Loss of appetite

  • Poor sleep quality

  • Orthopnea

  • Dyspnea

  • Morning headache

  • Recurrent chest infections

  • Swelling in the leg or ankle

How are restrictive lung diseases diagnosed?

Following are the diagnostic tests suggested for restrictive lung diseases:

  • Bronchoscopy

  • Pulmonary function tests

  • Chest X-ray

  • Pulse Oximetry

  • CAT scans

What are the treatment options for restrictive lung diseases?

There are various factors which may affect the treatment choice for restrictive lung diseases. Some of the factors include:

  • Type of the disease

  • Stage of the disease

  • Medical history of the patient

  • Family history

  • Health status of the patient

Major treatment options for restrictive lung diseases may include:

  • Antibiotics

  • Inhalers

  • Oxygen therapy

  • Expectorants

  • Chemotherapy

  • Lung transplantation