Everything about Respiratory Failure totally explained
Respiratory failure is a
medical term for inadequate
gas exchange by the
respiratory system. Respiratory failure can be indicated by observing a drop in blood
oxygen level (
hypoxemia) and/or a rise in arterial
carbon dioxide (
hypercapnia) which can be written as (
PaO2 < 60
mmHg,
PaCO2 > 45
mmHg).
Classification into type I or type II relates to the absence or presence of hypercapnia respectively. (Values in kPA being PO2 below 8kPA and PCO2 above 6.7kPa
Types
Type 1
Type 1 respiratory failure is defined as
hypoxaemia without
hypercapnia, indeed the CO
2 level may be normal or low. It is typically caused by a ventilation/perfusion mismatch; the air flowing in and out of the lungs isn't matched with the flow of blood to the lungs.
This type is caused by conditions that affect oxygenation like:
- Parenchymal disease(V/Q mismatch)
- Diseases of vasculature and shunts.
Type 2
Type 2 respiratory failure is defined as the build up of carbon dioxide that has been generated by the body. The underlying causes include:
Reduced breathing effort (in the fatigued patient)
Increased resistance to breathing (such as in asthma)
A decrease in the area of the lung available for gas exchange (such as in emphysema).
Causes
Pulmonary dysfunction
Cardiac dysfunction
Other
Treatment
Emergency treatment follows the principles of cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Treatment of the underlying cause is required. Mechanical ventilation may be required.
Further Information
Get more info on 'Respiratory Failure'.
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