Episode 5: Restrictive Lung Disease

In this episode of the ACCRAC podcast, Jed Wolpaw discusses restrictive lung disease, contrasting it with obstructive lung disease covered in the previous episode. He explains the characteristics of restrictive pathology, emphasizing the difficulty in getting air in but no problem getting air out, and describes the typical breathing pattern. Wolpaw differentiates between intrinsic and extrinsic causes of restrictive lung disease, explains flow volume loops, and discusses spirometry findings, including the FEV1/FVC ratio and diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO). He also covers neurologic, musculoskeletal, pleural, mediastinal, and parenchymal causes, highlighting specific conditions like infant respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and pulmonary fibrosis. The episode includes questions for listeners to test their understanding and concludes with contact information for feedback and comments.