Is Asthma Restrictive or Obstructive? Learn the Differences
Pulmonary diseases, also called lung diseases, are a group of diseases that affect the lungs, such as Asthma and Pulmonary Fibrosis. They are classified into Restrictive Lung Disease (RLD) and Obstructive Lung Disease (OLD). Both types of lung diseases are recognized to affect the lungs but differently. But is Asthma restrictive or obstructive?
Asthma is a chronic condition affecting around 7.7% of Americans. Asthma is an Obstructive Lung Disease with symptoms similar to restrictive diseases, such as wheezing and shortness of breath. But what makes these conditions distinct? And how can an individual or physician distinguish between these two lung disorders?
This comprehensive article highlights why Asthma falls into this category, the difference between obstructive and restrictive diseases, and the symptoms, causes, and treatments. So, read this article to the end and learn in detail.
Overview of Obstructive vs. Restrictive Lung Disease
The comprehensive overview below discusses the key differences between Obstructive vs. Restrictive Lung Diseases in detail. Depending on the diagnostic and treatment approach, it will also help an individual distinguish his condition.
| Aspects | Restrictive Lung Disease | Obstructive Lung Disease |
| Definition | The condition makes it difficult to inhale | Characterized by difficulty in exhaling |
| Prevalence | Accounts for 1/5th of Pulmonary Syndromes | Around 80% of all Pulmonary Syndromes |
| Symptoms | Shortness of breath, shallow breathing, coughing, difficulty breathing | A feeling of fullness in breathing, coughing up mucus, wheezing |
| Causes | Scarring and inflammation of the lung tissue | The airways get blocked and narrower |
| Examples | Pulmonary Fibrosis, Sarcoidosis, Autoimmune Connective Tissue Disorders, Pneumoconiosis | Asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Emphysema |
| Lung volume | Decreases | Increases |
| Treatment | Inhalers, antibiotics, cough medicines, chemotherapy, oxygen therapy, lung transplant | Inhalers, oral steroids |
What is Restrictive vs. Obstructive Lung Disease?
Restrictive Lung Diseases are groups of different pulmonary or lung disorders characterized by restrictive patterns on spirometry (a simple test to measure how well your lungs work by breathing in and out). They are also known as Interstitial Lung Diseases (ILD). Although determining the exact prevalence of RLD is difficult, there are almost 3-6 cases per 100,000 people who experience lung disease.
It is characterized by inflammation, scarring, and thickening of lung tissue. As a result, the lungs have difficulty expanding fully and cannot exchange gases properly (difficulty to inhale).
In contrast, Obstructive Lung Disease, also known as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), has a prevalence of 80% among the population. It affects the airways and alveoli (air sacs) of the lungs. It traps air in the lungs and thus increases lung volume.
This happens because the airways become blocked and narrower, decreasing the air expelled during expiration (making it difficult to exhale). As a result, individuals with OLD may feel like they are breathing out through a straw.
Therefore, learning briefly about these two lung disorders reveals that RLD makes it difficult to inhale, while individuals with OLD have difficulty exhaling.
Is Asthma Restrictive or Obstructive?
Asthma is an Obstructive Lung Disease. According to the Global Burden of Disease Collaboration 2019, Asthma is estimated to affect 262 million people worldwide.
It is caused by blocking or narrowing the airways, which makes breathing difficult. Symptoms include wheezing, coughing, difficulty breathing, and chest tightening. The symptoms can worsen in the presence of potential triggers, such as smoke, pollen, and dust.
Symptoms of Restrictive vs. Obstructive Lung Disease
There can be an overlap between Restrictive and Obstructive Lung Disease, which makes a diagnostic approach for lung disease important.
The common symptoms of these two lung disorders are as follows:
- Shortness of breath, also called Dyspnea
- Rapid breathing
- Coughing
- Weight loss
- Chest tightness
- White or colored sputum while coughing
However, some specific symptoms can be used to distinguish between the two lung diseases. The following table can distinguish the specific symptoms for both diseases:
| Restrictive Lung Disease | Obstructive Lung Disease |
| Difficulty in proper inhalation | Difficulty exhaling and the air exhaled out is abnormally slow |
| The person may change positions, like sitting or standing, to get proper air | The lungs may feel completely or partially full |
| Difficulty in breathing may cause panic or Anxiety | Excessive mucus production in the lungs |
| Difficulty during inhalation | Wheezing during exhalation, as in Asthma |
Other examples of Restrictive vs. Obstructive Disease
Some examples of restrictive and obstructive disease are as follows:
Restrictive Lung Diseases
Restrictive Lung Syndrome can be caused by Pulmonary parenchymal disease (internal causes) and Extrapulmonary disease (external causes). Some examples of Restrictive Lung Disease are:
- Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
- Acute Interstitial Pneumonia
- Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis
- Pulmonary Vasculitis
- Systemic Sclerosis
- Non-Specific Interstitial Pneumonia
- Pulmonary Fibrosis
- Sarcoidosis
- Autoimmune Connective Tissue Disorders
- Bronchiolitis Obliterans with Organizing Pneumonia (BOOP) / Cryptogenic Organizing Pneumonia (COP)
- Pneumoconiosis
Obstructive Lung Disease
Some examples of Obstructive Lung Disease are as follows:
- Asthma
- Emphysema
- Bronchiectasis
- Bronchiolitis Obliterans Syndrome
- Cystic Fibrosis
- Chronic Bronchitis
Obstructive vs. Restrictive Lung Disease diagnosis
Early diagnosis of any lung disorder is necessary to treat the condition promptly and prevent severe consequences. Here are the techniques for diagnosing obstructive and restrictive diseases.
- Pulmonary Function Test (PFT): The test measures the condition of the lungs. It measures the lung volume, capacity, gaseous exchange, and rates of flow
- Chest X-rays: It is a fast and painless imaging procedure to look at the lungs in and around the chest
- CT scans or High-Resolution Computed Tomography (HRCT): It is helpful in determining the extent of lung damage in the case of ILD
- Bronchoscopy: During this procedure, a healthcare practitioner carefully extracts a very small tissue sample from the lungs that passed through the mouth or nose
- Pulse Oximetry: It is a simple test where one device is placed on one of the fingers to measure Oxygen saturation in the blood
- Surgical biopsy: It is an invasive procedure where a large amount of tissue sample is extracted from the lungs
How to treat Obstructive and Restrictive Lung Disease?
The following medications can be utilized to treat Restrictive vs. Obstructive Lung Diseases depending on the specific lung conditions.
Restrictive Lung Disease
The table below depicts the type of RLD and its treatment in detail:
| Restrictive Lung Disease | Medication |
| Pneumonia | Antibiotics or antifungal |
| Tuberculosis | Antibiotics |
| Pulmonary Fibrosis | Antifibrotics |
| Sarcoidosis | Steroids, immunosuppressants, anti-inflammatory medications |
| Eosinophilic Pneumonia | Treatment depends on the cause of the condition, such as Antibiotics for infections |
If RLD is caused by inflammation, some medication to suppress the immune system can be utilized, such as Corticosteroids, Methotrexate, Cyclophosphamide, and Azathioprine.
Obstructive Lung Disease
The table below discusses the type of OLD and its treatment:
| Obstructive Lung Disease | Treatment |
| Asthma | Asthma inhalers |
| Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) | Medications and lifestyle changes |
| Chronic Bronchitis | Medications to relax the airways |
| Bronchiolitis | Specific treatment |
| Cystic Fibrosis | Treatments to manage symptoms |
Medications to relax the airways are called Bronchodilators and include Albuterol, Formoterol, Salmeterol, and Tiotropium.
It is also recommended to consult your doctor and seek prompt medical treatment for faster recovery.
Conclusion
Restrictive and Obstructive Lung Disease are two types of lung diseases. Both types of lung diseases are recognized to affect the lungs but differently. Asthma is an Obstructive Lung Disease and affects millions of people worldwide.
Restrictive Lung Diseases are different from Obstructive Lung Diseases in how they affect an individual with the disease. In RLD, an individual feels difficulty inhaling, while in OLD, there is difficulty exhaling. The symptoms of both types of lung disease can overlap, and early diagnosis and treatment are needed to ensure a faster recovery.
It is recommended to consult a healthcare practitioner and seek prompt medical treatment for faster recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an example of a Restrictive Lung Disease?
Restrictive Lung Diseases include Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis, Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis, and Acute Interstitial Pneumonia. Other examples include Pulmonary Vascular Disease, Non-Specific Interstitial Pneumonia, and Systemic Sclerosis.
How to remember Obstructive vs. Restrictive Lung Disease?
Obstructive Lung Disease (OLD) traps air in the lungs, increasing lung volume. In contrast, in Restrictive Lung Disease (RLD), the lungs are not filled, so the lung volume decreases. Asthma is an Obstructive Lung Disease that causes difficulty in exhaling and shows wheezing-like symptoms.
Is Asthma Restrictive or Obstructive Lung Disease?
Asthma is an Obstructive Lung Disease (OLD) that is recognized to affect millions of people worldwide. It can show symptoms like shortness of breath, wheezing, and chest tightness. In Asthma, an individual experiences difficulty exhaling, and lung volume increases. Buy Aerocort Rotacaps 100/100mcg from WowRx and embrace unrestricted breathing.
Why is Asthma Obstructive and not Restrictive?
Asthma is an Obstructive Lung Disease because it makes it difficult to exhale, which can only be seen in obstructive diseases. It blocks the airways, making it difficult to breathe. It shows symptoms like shortness of breath and wheezing.
Can you have both Restrictive and Obstructive Lung Disease?
Yes, it is possible for an individual to have both Restrictive and Obstructive Lung Disease simultaneously. The mortality rates are much higher in this case as compared to individuals with one disease. The cause of death is because of Pulmonary Hypertension or increased blood pressure in pulmonary arteries.
What is the difference between Obstructive and Restrictive airways?
Obstructive Lung Disease (OLD) makes it harder to exhale, while Restrictive Lung Disease (RLD) makes it difficult to inhale. Individuals with OLD have blocked or narrowed airways, causing difficulty breathing, whereas in RLD, the airways become inflamed or scarred.
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