| Health / Medical Topics |
Respiratory Failure
Definition 1
Impaired gas exchange by the respiratory system resulting in hypoxemia and decreased oxygenation of the tissues that may be associated with increased arterial levels of carbon dioxide. Causes include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, emphysema, acute respiratory distress syndrome, pneumonia, pulmonary edema, pneumothorax, and congestive heart failure. (NCI Thesaurus)
Definition 2
A disorder characterized by impaired gas exchange by the respiratory system resulting in hypoxemia and a decrease in oxygenation of the tissues that may be associated with an increase in arterial levels of carbon dioxide. (NCI Thesaurus/CTCAE)
Definition 3
Failure to adequately provide oxygen to cells of the body and to remove excess carbon dioxide from them. (Stedman, 25th ed) (NLM, Medical Subject Headings)
More information
Respiratory failure happens when not enough oxygen passes from your lungs into your blood. Your body's organs, such as your heart and brain, need oxygen-rich blood to work well. Respiratory failure also can happen if your lungs can't remove carbon dioxide (a waste gas) from your blood. Too much carbon dioxide in your blood can harm your body's organs.
Diseases and conditions that affect your breathing can cause respiratory failure. Examples include
• Lung diseases such as COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, and cystic fibrosis
• Conditions that affect the nerves and muscles that control breathing, such as spinal cord injuries, muscular dystrophy and stroke
• Damage to the tissues and ribs around the lungs. An injury to the chest can cause this damage.
• Drug or alcohol overdose
• Injuries from inhaling smoke or harmful fumes
Treatment for respiratory failure depends on whether the condition is acute (short-term) or chronic (ongoing) and how severe it is. It also depends on the underlying cause. You may receive oxygen therapy and other treatment to help you breathe. (NIH: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute)
Also called: ARDS
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
