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Restrictive lung diseases are a heterogeneous set of pulmonary disorders defined by restrictive patterns on spirometry. These disorders are characterized by a reduced distensibility of the lungs, compromising lung expansion, and, in turn, reduced lung volumes, particularly with reduced total lung capacity (TLC).[1]
Etiology
Its aetiology can be highly variable ranging from
Intrinsic - with lung parenchymal involvement ie Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD): an umbrella term that encompasses a large number of disorders that are characterised by diffuse cellular infiltrates in a periacinar location. The spectrum of conditions included is broad, ranging from occasional self-limited inflammatory processes to severe debilitating pulmonary fibrosis[2].
Image 2: A 3D Medical illustration showing different terminating ends of Bronchial airways connected to alveoili, lung parenchyma & lymphatic vessels.
scoliosis: can lead to extrinsic restrictive lung disease from the diminution of lung volume under the convex rib hump and on the concave side, where the ribs impinge on the lung. Image 3: A pronounced C-shaped scoliosis is present, centred in the thoracic spine.
Those with a restrictive lung disease pattern can often have decreased lung volumes, an increased work of breathing, and inadequate ventilation and/or oxygenation. Pulmonary function tests often demonstrate a decrease in the forced vital capacity (FVC)[3].
Examples of ILD
Intrinsic restriction can be caused by intrapulmonary restriction due to inflammatory processes within the lung tissue by diseases categorized under ILD
SarcoidosisImage 4: Chest x-ray demonstrates upper zone reticulonodular opacities with extensive mediastinal and hilar nodal enlargement. Stage II sarcoidosis with both nodal and parenchymal disease.
Inorganic dust exposure such as silicosis, asbestosis (Mesothelioma), talc, pneumoconiosis, berylliosis, hard metal fibrosis, coal worker's pneumoconiosis, chemical worker's lung
The overall prevalence of restrictive diseases is difficult to estimate precisely because the groups involve multiple pathological conditions, each of which can occur in numerous clinical stages.
The populations with higher associations to restrictive lung patterns include:
Older Persons- The prevalence of restrictive conditions increases from 2.7 cases per 100,000 persons in individuals aged 35-44 years to over 175 cases per 100,000 in those older than 75 years.
African Americans- Compared to Whites (10.9 cases per 100,000), the prevalence in this group is 35.5 cases per 100,000 persons.
Obese individuals- Restrictive patterns are related to an elevated body mass index (BMI) with a decrease in lung volumes attributed to an increased amount of central obesity. Image 5: restrictive lung volumes in an obese individual, Large amount of adipose tissue as demonstrates by the excessive facial/neck fat, pericardial fat and general soft tissue.
Treatment of lung disease depends on many factors, such as the type and stage of disease, family history, patient’s medical history and the health and age of the patient. Any of the following may be used for treating lung disease:
Oxygen therapy : The main treatment for restrictive lung disease is supportive oxygen therapy. Oxygen therapy helps people with lung diseases get enough oxygen, even when their lungs cannot fully expand. Some people may need oxygen only at night or after exerting themselves. Others need oxygen all or most of the time.
Chemotherapy : may help reduce inflammation caused by a restrictive lung disease. However, chemotherapy also kills healthy cells and can prompt a range of side effects, such as nausea, hair loss, and a weakened immune system. Some studiesTrusted Source have also found a link between chemotherapy and lung damage. As such, it is important to weigh the potential benefits of chemotherapy against its risks.
Lung transplantation[4]Lung transplants offer a chance of a healthier, longer life, but they are also highly risky. After a lung transplant, a person can develop life-threatening complications, such as organ rejection. After a lung transplant, a recipient must take drugs that suppress the immune system. However, these drugs make transplant recipients more vulnerable to many infections. As a result, most transplant recipients must be closely monitored in hospital for several weeks.
Stem cell therapy is still an experimental treatment, but for some people with restrictive lung disease, it may offer the chance of a longer life.
Clinical trials: Treatment for restrictive lung disease is continually evolving. Some people with symptoms of the disease may be eligible for a clinical trial. There is no guarantee that new drugs will work, but many clinical trials have helped people get better[5].
Impairment in pulmonary function in patients with severe scoliosis may be controlled with surgical correction.
For obese patients, management involves losing weight by a combination of diet and physical exercise. Morbidly obese patients who fail to lose weight by traditional methods should be referred for gastric bypass surgery evaluation.[1]
Ventilator therapy: A ventilator is a device that helps the lungs take in oxygen. Unlike oxygen therapy that is given through the nose, a ventilator uses a tube in the throat or a high-pressure mask to support breathing. People who have an advanced restrictive lung disease may need a ventilator to be able to breathe.[5]
For some people, ventilator therapy is unsafe or cannot be used. Hence, in extreme cases, an alternative called extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) delivers oxygen directly to the blood. [5]For ECMO, a doctor removes blood through a large vein. The blood is pumped through a membrane that provides it with oxygen, and it is then put back in the body.
Physiotherapy
Pulmonary rehabilitation programs help people better understand their oxygen needs and breathe more efficiently. This input can enable them to cope better with their disease. SeePulmonary Rehabilitationand Silicosis
Diet Education: Some people find that dietary changes, such as eating smaller meals, help with some restrictive lung diseases, including pulmonary fibrosis.[5]
Many forms of restrictive lung disease are progressive, getting worse over time. As the end of life approaches, there may be changes that happen over days...or weeks. Each person's experience is unique. People with end-stage lung disease often have significant airflow limitations. Even simple tasks like taking a shower, making the bed and cooking a meal become nearly impossible to do. In addition, people with end-stage lung disease often feel exhausted[6]. Typically, lung function drops to 30 percent or less during end-stage lung disease. Also, many people have low blood oxygen levels.
Despite increasing mortality due to interstitial lung disease (ILD) the provision of end-of-life care for these conditions is limited. Improving quality of care for patients with advanced ILD or any other progressive respiratory disease requires a paradigm shift. Best supportive care as it is currently experienced is far from best. Palliative care needs to sit alongside curative intent as an equally legitimate professional goal.[7]
