In restrictive lung disease, which statement is true?

In restrictive lung disease, which statement is true?

• A. Reduced FEV1 with normal or increased FEV1/FVC ratio due to reduced lung volumes
• B. Increased FEV1 with decreased FEV1/FVC
• C. Increased FEV1/FVC ratio with increased lung volumes
• D. No change in FEV1

Answer: (A)

Restrictive lung disease is characterized by a reduction in lung volumes, especially the total lung capacity. Because the lungs can’t expand fully, both FEV1 and FVC tend to decrease, but the drop in FVC is often proportionally greater (or at least not less) than the drop in FEV1. This means the FEV1/FVC ratio stays normal or may even be increased, reflecting a pattern of reduced volumes without true airway obstruction. That’s why the statement describing a reduced FEV1 with a normal or increased FEV1/FVC ratio due to reduced lung volumes is the best fit. The other options imply increased volumes, an increased FEV1, or no change in FEV1, which doesn’t match restrictive physiology.

Restrictive lung disease is characterized by a reduction in lung volumes, especially the total lung capacity. Because the lungs can’t expand fully, both FEV1 and FVC tend to decrease, but the drop in FVC is often proportionally greater (or at least not less) than the drop in FEV1. This means the FEV1/FVC ratio stays normal or may even be increased, reflecting a pattern of reduced volumes without true airway obstruction. That’s why the statement describing a reduced FEV1 with a normal or increased FEV1/FVC ratio due to reduced lung volumes is the best fit. The other options imply increased volumes, an increased FEV1, or no change in FEV1, which doesn’t match restrictive physiology.