What is moderate restrictive ventilatory impairment, and what should be done about it?

In general, moderate restrictive ventilatory dysfunction is an abnormality of respiratory function characterized by limitations in the lung's ventilation process, leading to impaired breathing. This condition may be caused by muscular dystrophy, scoliosis, pleurisy, pneumonia, pulmonary fibrosis, and other factors. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly for proper diagnosis and treatment. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Muscular Dystrophy

Muscular dystrophy is often caused by genetic factors. This disease leads to progressive degeneration and atrophy of muscles, including respiratory muscles such as the diaphragm and intercostal muscles. Weakening of these muscles impairs their ability to contract and relax during respiration, resulting in ventilatory dysfunction, muscle atrophy, and muscle pain. Treatment may include medications such as Coenzyme Q10 soft capsules, Vitamin E tablets, and Mecobalamin tablets, taken under medical supervision.

2. Scoliosis

Scoliosis typically arises from asymmetric growth and development. It causes asymmetry and structural changes in the thoracic cage, including rotation, twisting, and compression of the chest wall, which restricts normal expansion and contraction. These deformities limit the lungs' ability to ventilate properly, leading to symptoms such as restricted airflow, uneven shoulder height, and asymmetrical back appearance. For patients still undergoing development—especially children and adolescents with immature bone age—corrective bracing may be an effective treatment. Braces can apply appropriate pressure and support to help control the progression of scoliosis.

3. Pleurisy

Pleurisy is usually caused by bacterial infection. The inflammation of the pleura can lead to scar tissue formation on the pleural surfaces. These scars may cause adhesions between the pleural layers, restricting their normal sliding motion. Such adhesions impair the lungs’ ability to expand and contract freely, resulting in restricted ventilation, chest tightness, and pulling pain. Medications such as Cefuroxime Axetil Granules, Pyrazinamide Tablets, and Rifampicin Tablets may be prescribed by a doctor for treatment.

4. Pneumonia

Pneumonia is often caused by bacterial infection. It can lead to alveolar destruction and necrosis, reducing the elasticity of lung tissue. This impairs normal lung expansion and contraction, causing restricted ventilation, rapid breathing, and difficulty breathing. Treatment may include antibiotics such as Azithromycin Dispersible Tablets, Amoxicillin Clavulanate Potassium Tablets, and Penicillin V Potassium Tablets, taken as directed by a physician.

5. Pulmonary Fibrosis

Pulmonary fibrosis is associated with inhalation of organic dust. It causes fibrosis and scarring of lung tissue, reducing lung elasticity. As a result, the lungs cannot fully expand, leading to decreased lung volume and limited ventilation capacity, which may cause symptoms such as dyspnea, dizziness, and suffocation. Medications such as Methylprednisolone Tablets, Betamethasone Tablets, and Compound Cyclophosphamide Tablets may be used under medical guidance for treatment.

In daily life, maintaining a healthy lifestyle—including a balanced diet, moderate exercise, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption—is beneficial for overall health.