Which of the following is an example of a restrictive lung disease?

Restrictive lung diseases are characterized by a decrease in lung volume, leading to a reduction in the amount of air that can be inhaled. This condition is typically due to conditions that affect the lung tissue, causing it to become stiff or scarred, or factors outside the lung like neuromuscular diseases and chest wall abnormalities.

Pulmonary fibrosis is a prime example of a restrictive lung disease, as it involves scarring (fibrosis) of lung tissue, which inhibits the lungs' ability to expand fully. This results in decreased lung volume and impaired gas exchange. Patients with pulmonary fibrosis often experience symptoms such as difficulty breathing, particularly during physical activities, and a persistent dry cough.

In contrast, asthma, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema are categorized under obstructive lung diseases. These conditions primarily involve an obstruction of airflow, rather than a restriction in lung capacity. Asthma and chronic bronchitis are associated with inflammation and narrowing of the airways, while emphysema involves damage to the alveoli, which can impair airflow but does not typically reduce the total lung volume as significantly as restrictive diseases do. Understanding these distinctions can help in determining the appropriate management and treatment strategies for patients with different types of pulmonary conditions.