Certified Pulmonary Function Technologist (CPFT) Practice Exam

Which condition is characteristic of obstructive lung disease?

1. Pneumonia

2. ARDS

3. Asthma

4. Interstitial lung disease

The correct answer is: Asthma

Obstructive lung disease is characterized by a limitation of airflow due to the narrowing of the airways, making it difficult for air to flow out of the lungs. Asthma fits this definition as it involves reversible airway obstruction triggered by various factors, such as allergens or exercise. In asthma, inflammation and bronchoconstriction lead to symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness, particularly during expiration. The key feature of asthma as an obstructive lung disease is the variability in airflow obstruction, which can be measured through pulmonary function tests, showing decreased FEV1 (Forced Expiratory Volume in one second) relative to FVC (Forced Vital Capacity). In contrast, pneumonia refers to an infection of the lungs that primarily affects the alveoli and is not classified as an obstructive disease. Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is a form of lung inflammation that leads to difficulty breathing due to fluid accumulation in the alveoli, which also does not fit the obstructive category. Interstitial lung disease involves the thickening and scarring of lung tissue, leading to restrictive lung patterns that limit lung expansion, rather than causing obstruction. These conditions are linked to different pathophysiological mechanisms than those observed in obstructive