What characterizes restrictive lung disease?

Restrictive lung disease is characterized by the inability to fully fill the lungs with air, which leads to decreased lung volumes. This type of lung disease results from various conditions that restrict lung expansion, making it difficult for the lungs to inflate completely. Common causes include interstitial lung disease, pulmonary fibrosis, neuromuscular disorders, and chest wall deformities, among others.

In restrictive lung disease, the total lung capacity and vital capacity are often reduced. This is in contrast to obstructive lung conditions, where the primary issue is difficulty exhaling air from the lungs. Therefore, the key characteristic of restrictive lung disease is the limitation in lung expansion that prevents full air inflow.

Other options, while related to lung function, do not accurately reflect the defining feature of restrictive lung disease.