What type of disease is fibrosis classified as?

Fibrosis is classified as a restrictive disease characterized by decreased lung inspiration. In diseases such as pulmonary fibrosis, the lung tissue becomes stiff and less compliant, limiting the ability of the lungs to expand fully during inhalation. As a result, patients experience reduced lung volumes, particularly vital capacity, because their lungs cannot take in as much air as normal, leading to difficulty in achieving adequate inhalation.

The primary issue with restrictive lung diseases like fibrosis is the inability of the lungs to inflate properly, which leads to challenges in breathing and reduced oxygen delivery to the bloodstream. This decreased lung function is distinct from obstructive diseases, where the airflow is primarily obstructed, often leading to increased lung volumes or difficulty with exhalation.