Acute Respiratory Failure

Acute respiratory failure is acute inability to maintain gas exchange, either type I (hypoxemic: PaO2 <60, normal/low PaCO2 from pneumonia/ARDS/PE) or type II (hypercapnic: PaCO2 >50, from COPD/neuromuscular disease/over-sedation). Treatment: oxygen to target SpO2; treat cause (antibiotics for pneumonia; bronchodilators/steroids for COPD; anticoagulation for PE; naloxone for opiates); NIV (BiPAP/CPAP) for COPD/pulmonary edema; intubation/mechanical ventilation if failing; ICU; monitor ABG/lactate; prevent complications (VAP/PE/ulcer).

Common Symptoms

Dyspnea; cyanosis; altered mental status; by type I (hypoxemic)/type II (hypercapnic)

Causes and Pathogenesis

Airway/alveolar/parenchymal/neuromuscular/circulatory causes impair oxygenation/ventilation.

Treatment

Oxygen; treat cause; NIV/intubation if failing; ICU; monitor ABG; prevent complications

Preventive Measures

Treat cardiopulmonary disease; avoid over-sedation; vaccines.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the ICU/Pulmonology-Emergency department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.