How do restrictive lung diseases differ from obstructive lung diseases?

Restrictive lung diseases are characterized by a reduction in lung volume, which limits the ability of the lungs to expand fully during inhalation. This leads to difficulty in taking in air, ultimately resulting in lower oxygen levels in the blood. Conditions such as pulmonary fibrosis, obesity hypoventilation syndrome, and pleural effusion fall under this category, as they restrict lung expansion and reduce overall lung capacity.

The option that states restrictive diseases increase airflow is incorrect, as these diseases actually reduce the airflow due to limited lung volume. The mention of obstructive diseases happening due to muscle weakness is misleading, as obstructive lung diseases are primarily caused by factors that block airflow, like bronchospasm or airway obstruction, rather than muscle strength itself. Lastly, saying both types are identical in symptoms is inaccurate since restrictive and obstructive lung diseases manifest distinctly; patients with obstructive diseases may exhibit wheezing and prolonged expiration, while those with restrictive diseases often report shortness of breath and a reduced ability to take deep breaths.