What is not a characteristic of restrictive lung disease?

In restrictive lung disease, the main characteristic is a reduction in the volume of air that can be inhaled, which typically leads to a decrease in tidal volume. This encompasses conditions that cause stiffening of the lung tissue or the restrictive movement of the chest wall.

Increased lung compliance is not a characteristic of restrictive lung disease, as it usually implies that the lungs are more easily inflated, which is more characteristic of obstructive lung diseases. In restrictive conditions, the lungs have decreased compliance, meaning they are stiffer and require more effort to expand.

Impairment in gas exchange can occur in restrictive lung disease, resulting from the compromised lung capacity and function. Mechanical dysfunction of the thorax can lead to similar restrictive problems, affecting the ability to properly inflate the lungs. Therefore, identifying increased lung compliance as not characteristic of restrictive lung disease highlights the fundamental differences between restrictive and obstructive lung conditions.