Certified Pulmonary Function Technologist (CPFT) Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT considered an obstructive disease?

1. Asthma

2. Cystic fibrosis

3. Pulmonary fibrosis

4. Emphysema

The correct answer is: Pulmonary fibrosis

Pulmonary fibrosis is categorized as a restrictive lung disease rather than an obstructive disease. In obstructive diseases, such as asthma, cystic fibrosis, and emphysema, there is difficulty with airflow due to obstruction in the airways, leading to problems with exhalation. Specifically, asthma involves airway constriction, cystic fibrosis causes mucus build-up leading to blockages, and emphysema results in damage to the alveoli, compromising the ability to expel air properly. In contrast, pulmonary fibrosis is characterized by the thickening and stiffening of lung tissue, which restricts lung expansion and reduces the total volume of air that can be inhaled. While it affects the respiratory system significantly, it does so by impeding lung expansion rather than obstructing airflow during exhalation. Therefore, recognizing pulmonary fibrosis as a restrictive condition is crucial for understanding the differences between these types of lung diseases.