If you have restrictive lung disease, you may feel short of breath or experience chronic coughing. It’s important to be aware of these symptoms so you can see a doctor as soon as possible. They can lead to a life-threatening condition, so it’s critical to know what you are facing so you can take the right action.
Your doctor can diagnose restrictive lung disease by reviewing your medical history and conducting a physical examination. You will also have a series of tests that can help them identify the cause of your breathing problems.
Lung function tests: These measurements are done to determine how well your lungs are working and to find out if you have an obstructive or restrictive lung disease. Obstructive lung diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma, are often treated with medications that dilate the airways (bronchodilators).
PFT: This is an imaging test that measures your lung capacity and diffusion capacity. It also checks for airway inflammation and changes in the strength of your respiratory muscles.
Exercise therapy: A breathing exercise program improves your ability to breathe and can prevent or slow the progression of your restrictive lung disease. People with COPD who participate in breathing exercises report improvements in their symptoms, including a reduction of shortness of breath and improved quality of life.
Oxygen therapy: Some restrictive lung diseases limit the amount of oxygen in your lungs, so you need oxygen therapy to get enough oxygen into your bloodstream. This can be done either invasively (through a tube called an intubation) or noninvasively (through a device that delivers air, like a ventilator).
Other treatments for restrictive lung disease include medicines and surgery. In rare cases, a lung transplant can replace lungs that have been destroyed by the disease.
There are several types of restrictive lung disease and treatment options vary depending on the root cause. If your restrictive lung disease is caused by an autoimmune connective tissue disorder, you will usually need to take immunosuppressant drugs. These medicines prevent your immune system from attacking healthy cells, which can make the condition worse.
Intrinsic restrictive lung diseases, such as fibrosis and sarcoidosis, can be treated with anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic medications. In addition, some of these conditions are known to be amenable to stem cell therapy.
If you have restrictive lung disease caused by a lung infection, such as pneumonia, antibiotics will clear the infection and reduce your symptoms. In severe cases, you may need a lung transplant, which can increase your life expectancy.
Your physician can recommend a treatment plan for restrictive lung disease that includes regular exercise, breathing therapy, and oxygen therapy if needed. Other therapies, such as stem cell therapy, are being investigated by doctors.
Extrinsic restrictive lung diseases, such as pneumoconiosis, are caused by dust particles or other problems that place pressure on your lungs. You can lower your risk of developing these conditions by avoiding smoking and staying away from environments that contain too much dust or other irritants.
