Respiratory failure
From Free net encyclopedia
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 (hypoxaemia) and/or a rise in arterial carbon dioxide (hypercapnia). Classification into type I or type II relates to the absence or presence of hypercapnia respectively.
Common causes include pneumonia, chronic obstructive airway disease (caused by tobacco smoking), or drug overdose.
Emergency treatment follows the principles of cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Treatment of the underlying cause is required. Mechanical ventilation is often required.
ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome) is a specific and important type of Respiratory Failure.