Respiratory Failure (RF)
Respiratory Failure: Overview
Definition:
Respiratory failure occurs when the lungs can’t efficiently exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide, leading to abnormal levels of these gases in the blood. It’s defined by the arterial oxygen, carbon dioxide, or both not being maintained at normal levels. A drop in oxygen is hypoxemia, while a rise in carbon dioxide is hypercapnia. This condition can be acute, developing suddenly, or chronic, developing over time. Respiratory failure often requires immediate medical attention.
Causes:
Respiratory failure can stem from issues affecting the flow of air in and out of the lungs, such as physical obstructions or drug-induced reduced breathing. Conditions impacting the lung’s blood supply, like thromboembolic disorders, right heart failure, or myocardial infarctions, can also lead to respiratory failure. Furthermore, any disease that damages lung tissue, such as infections, interstitial lung disease, and pulmonary edema, may impair the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. Neuromuscular diseases, chest injuries, and drug or alcohol overdose can also cause respiratory failure.
Types of Respiratory Failure:
Respiratory failure is categorized into four types. Type 1 is characterized by low blood oxygen (hypoxemia) with normal or low carbon dioxide levels. Type 2 involves both low oxygen and high carbon dioxide levels. Other types include perioperative respiratory failure, which can occur after surgery, and respiratory failure due to shock.
Symptoms:
Symptoms of respiratory failure can vary depending on the cause. They may include shortness of breath, a bluish tint to the lips and face, confusion, and dizziness. Acute respiratory failure can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical intervention.
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References
- Houston Methodist. Respiratory Failure: Types, Causes, Signs, & Treatments. https://www.houstonmethodist.org/pulmonology/respiratory-failure/
- Patient.info. Respiratory failure. https://patient.info/chest-lungs/respiratory-failure-leaflet
- Medical News Today. Acute respiratory failure: Causes, symptoms, and prevention. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324528
- Wikipedia. Respiratory failure. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Respiratory_failure
- Cleveland Clinic. Respiratory Failure: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24835-respiratory-failure
- Healthline. Acute Respiratory Failure: Causes, Symptoms, and Diagnosis. https://www.healthline.com/health/acute-respiratory-failure
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). What Is Respiratory Failure? https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/respiratory-failure
- Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Respiratory Failure. https://www.brighamandwomens.org/lung-center/diseases-and-conditions/respiratory-failure
