NEW LOWER PRICES - ACT FAST
Medicine (MD/DO)
/
Courses
/
Pathology
/
Obstructive Lung Disorders
/
Restrictive vs. Obstructive Lung Diseases

Master Restrictive vs. Obstructive Lung Diseases with Picmonic for Medicine

With Picmonic, facts become pictures. We've taken what the science shows - image mnemonics work - but we've boosted the effectiveness by building and associating memorable characters, interesting audio stories, and built-in quizzing.

DOWNLOAD PDF
Restrictive vs. Obstructive Lung Diseases

Recommended Picmonics

picmonic thumbnail
Obstructive Lung Disease
picmonic thumbnail
COPD Overview (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Overview)
picmonic thumbnail
Chronic Bronchitis
picmonic thumbnail
Chronic Bronchitis Interventions
picmonic thumbnail
Emphysema

Restrictive vs. Obstructive Lung Diseases

Restricted vs. Obstructed Lungs
Picmonic
Lung diseases can be classified as either restrictive or obstructive. Restrictive lung diseases cause a decrease in lung volume. Obstructive lung diseases trap air in the lungs and therefore increase lung volume. FEV1 is the forced expiratory volume in one second or the volume of air that can forcibly be blown out in one second, after full inspiration. FVC is the forced vital capacity or the volume of air that can forcibly be blown out after full inspiration and expiration. Both these values can be measured by spirometry. The ratio between the FEV1 and FVC can help distinguish between restrictive and obstructive lung diseases.Restrictive lung diseases can be caused by either poor breathing mechanics (a result of conditions like myasthenia gravis, obesity, and scoliosis) or can result from interstitial lung disease such as pneumoconioses or ARDS. Lung volume decreases in restrictive lung disease and the FEV1/FVC ratio is normal to increased (ie. greater than 80%) due to a significant decrease in forced vital capacity (FVC). Obstructive lung disease is characterized by airway obstruction and it is associated with inflammation of the airways and problems exhaling. Types of obstructive lung disease include asthma, bronchiectasis and COPD (chronic bronchitis and/or emphysema). Obstructive lung disease results in air trapping in the lungs which expands the lung volume over time. A decrease in the FEV1/FVC ratio suggests an obstructive condition.
6 KEY FACTS
Restrictive Lung Disease
Lungs Restricted by a Belt

Restrictive lung diseases can be due to poor breathing mechanics, as a result of conditions like myasthenia gravis, obesity, and scoliosis. They may also be caused by interstitial lung disease. In restrictive lung disease, the lung volume decreases and the FEV1/FVC ratio is normal to increased (ie. greater than 80%) due to a significant decrease in forced vital capacity (FVC).

Decreased Lung Volume
Smaller Lungs

Mechanical, pleural or interstitial pathology restrict lung expansion, resulting in decreased lung volume.

FEV1/FVC Ratio Normal to Increased
Restrictive-lungs Blowing Ball Past the 80% Marker

FEV1 is the volume of air that can forcibly be blown out in one second, after full inspiration. This can be measured with spirometry. FVC is the forced vital capacity or the volume of air that can forcibly be blown out after full inspiration and expiration. The ratio between the FEV1 and FVC can help distinguish between restrictive and obstructive lung diseases. A ratio that is normal or increased (ie. greater than 80%) suggests a restrictive condition.

Obstructive Lung Disease
Hand Choking the Lungs' Airway

Obstructive lung disease is characterized by airway obstruction and associated with inflammation of the airways and problems exhaling. Types of obstructive lung disease are asthma, bronchiectasis and COPD (chronic bronchitis and/or emphysema).

Increased Lung Volume
Big Lungs

Obstructive lung disease results in air trapping in the lungs, which expands the lung volume over time.

Decreased FEV1/FVC Ratio
Lungs Unable to Blow Ball Past 80% Marker

FEV1 is the volume of air that can forcibly be blown out in one second, after full inspiration. This can be measured by spirometry. FVC is the forced vital capacity or the volume of air that can forcibly be blown out after full inspiration and expiration. The ratio between the FEV1 and FVC can help distinguish between restrictive and obstructive lung diseases. A decrease in the ratio suggests an obstructive condition.

DOWNLOAD PDF

Take the Restrictive vs. Obstructive Lung Diseases Quiz

Picmonic's rapid review multiple-choice quiz allows you to assess your knowledge.

It's worth every penny

Our Story Mnemonics Increase Mastery and Retention

Memorize facts with phonetic mnemonics

Unforgettable characters with concise but impactful videos (2-4 min each)

Memorize facts with phonetic mnemonics

Ace Your Medicine (MD/DO) Classes & Exams with Picmonic:

Over 1,870,000 students use Picmonic’s picture mnemonics to improve knowledge, retention, and exam performance.

Choose the #1 Medicine (MD/DO) student study app.

Picmonic for Medicine (MD/DO) covers information that is relevant to your entire Medicine (MD/DO) education. Whether you’re studying for your classes or getting ready to conquer the USMLE Step 1, USMLE Step 2 CK, COMLEX Level 1, or COMLEX Level 2, we’re here to help.

Works better than traditional Medicine (MD/DO) flashcards.

Research shows that students who use Picmonic see a 331% improvement in memory retention and a 50% improvement in test scores.