Obstructive/restrictive?

[JABCMom]

Hi, Can someone tell me what the diference between obstruction and restriction is? From what I have read emphysema is an obstructive diagnosis? My spirometer results were: FEV1 - 73%, FVC - 83% and FEV1/FVC - 95% Diagnosis: Mild restriction. My doctor says mild emphysema. Is this correct or is it more of an asthma. I smoked for 20 years approximately a pack a day. I did quit smoking a month after diagnosis, with no desire to start again. Since I have quit I feel worse than I ever did. I am now having a tightness and pain in my chest, back, and shoulder which my doctor said is anxiety. I also have a fairly constant stuffed up nose and sore throat. My doctor just seems to blow this all off. Recently my foot and arm on my left side is always cold as well. Should I find another doctor?
Thanks for your help.
Linda

[National Jewish]

Obstruction refers to limitation of airflow because of narrow, constricted or collapsing airways.  It is characteristic of asthma, COPD and emphysema.

Restriction refers to a decrease in the size of usable lung.  There are many causes.

Your PFT results do suggest mild restriction but this is not what is seen with emphysema.  None-the-less, you should have your lungs examined by a lung specialist.

Most if not all the symptoms you describe could be related to nicotine withdrawal but you shouldn't assume that.  You should also have your heart examined.  The lung specialist could perform this.

[JABCMom]

You were right. I don't know where I got the 95% from! I might have looking at fev1% which was 90%.
thanks,
Linda

[HappyNeige]

First of all, big kudos to you for quitting cigarette.

Second, the numbers you quoted on the lung function test do not sound right.  Are you sure the FEV1/FVC is 95%?  It is almost mathematically impossible to have FEV1 of 73% and FVC of 83% (albeit percentage of predicted values) and have FEV1/FVC above 70%.

HappyNeige...