Which characteristic is true for obstructive pulmonary diseases?

Which characteristic is true for obstructive pulmonary diseases?

• A. Increased lung capacity
• B. Decreased airflow due to obstruction
• C. Improved oxygen exchange
• D. Normal respiratory function

Answer: (B)

Obstructive pulmonary diseases are primarily characterized by a decrease in airflow due to obstruction in the airways. This obstruction can result from various conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, and bronchiectasis, where the bronchi and bronchioles become inflamed or structurally altered, limiting the flow of air during expiration. In these conditions, the elastic recoil of the lung is often compromised, leading to difficulty in expelling air and trapping it within the lungs. This results in an increase in residual volume and a decrease in the effectiveness of breathing even though total lung capacity might not be significantly increased. The hallmark of these diseases is the impaired ability to exhale air, which directly correlates with decreased airflow. This contrast with the other options is significant; for instance, increased lung capacity, improved oxygen exchange, and normal respiratory function are not characteristic features of obstructive pulmonary diseases. Instead, they typically present with reduced airflow, making option B the accurate choice reflecting the nature of obstructive pulmonary conditions.

Obstructive pulmonary diseases are primarily characterized by a decrease in airflow due to obstruction in the airways. This obstruction can result from various conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, and bronchiectasis, where the bronchi and bronchioles become inflamed or structurally altered, limiting the flow of air during expiration.

In these conditions, the elastic recoil of the lung is often compromised, leading to difficulty in expelling air and trapping it within the lungs. This results in an increase in residual volume and a decrease in the effectiveness of breathing even though total lung capacity might not be significantly increased. The hallmark of these diseases is the impaired ability to exhale air, which directly correlates with decreased airflow.

This contrast with the other options is significant; for instance, increased lung capacity, improved oxygen exchange, and normal respiratory function are not characteristic features of obstructive pulmonary diseases. Instead, they typically present with reduced airflow, making option B the accurate choice reflecting the nature of obstructive pulmonary conditions.