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Respiratory Disorders (Expert Forum)
Obstructive/restrictive?
Answered by
This forum is for questions and support regarding lung and respiratory issues such as: Allergies, Asthma, Bronchitis, Colds - Flu, Chronic Cough, COPD, Cystic Fibrosis, Emphysema, Fibrosis, Lung Abscess, Nasal Polyps, Pleurisy, Pneumonia, Sarcoidosis, Sinusitis, Tuberculosis.
Obstructive/restrictive?
by JABCMom, Oct 14, 2005 12:00AM
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
Thanks for your help.
Linda
Doctor's Answer
by National Jewish, Oct 18, 2005 12:00AM
, Oct 18, 2005 12:00AM
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.
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.
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...
thanks,
Linda