Respiratory Failure, A Simple Guide To The Condition, Diagnosis, Treatment And Related Conditions

This book describes Respiratory Failure, Diagnosis and Treatment and Related DiseasesRespiratory failure is a disorder in which the blood:1. Does not have sufficient oxygen or2. Has too much carbon dioxide. Occasionally the patient can have both disorders. CausesDisorders that affect the breathing can induce respiratory failure. These disorders may involve the muscles, nerves, bones, or tissues that sustain breathing.
Or they may involve the lungs directly.1. Lung diseases such as:a. COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), b. Cystic fibrosis, c. Pneumonia, andd. Pulmonary embolism2. Disorders that involve the nerves and muscles that regulate breathing, such as:a. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, b. Muscular dystrophy, c. Spinal cord injuriesd. Stroke3. Disorders with the spine such as scoliosis4. Injury to the tissues and ribs around the lungs.5.
Drug or alcohol overdose6. Inhalation injuries, such as from breathing in smoke (from fires) or harmful chemical fumesSymptomsThe symptoms of respiratory failure are dependent on the cause and the amounts of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood. A low oxygen level in the blood can produce shortness of breath and air hungerThe skin, lips, and fingernails may also appear bluish in color. A high carbon dioxide level can produce rapid breathing and confusion.
Some people who have respiratory failure may become unconscious or very drowsy. They also may have irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia). The patient may have these symptoms if the brain and heart are not taking in sufficient oxygen. DiagnosisThe doctor will diagnose respiratory failure based on:1. The medical history2. A physical exam, which often involves:a. Listening to the lungs to examine for abnormal soundsb.
Hearing the heart to examine for arrhythmiac. Looking for a bluish color on the skin, lips, and fingernails3. Diagnostic tests, such as:a. Pulse oximetry, a small sensor that utilizes a light to measure how much oxygen is in the blood. The sensor is placed on the end of the finger or on the ear.b. Arterial blood gas test, a test that evaluates the oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the blood. The blood sample is taken from an artery, normally in the wrist.
Once the patient is diagnosed with respiratory failure, the doctor will determine the cause of it.1. Chest x-ray for respiratory diseases2. ECG- abnormal heart rhythmsIf the doctor believes the patient may have arrhythmia because of the respiratory failure, the patient may have an ECGTreatmentThe treatment for respiratory failure is dependent on:1. The type: either acute or chronic2. The severity3.
The causeAcute respiratory failure may be a medical emergency. The patient may require treatment in intensive care unit at a hospital. The chronic form of respiratory failure can often be treated at home. But if the chronic respiratory failure is serious, the patient might require treatment in a long-term care unit or hospital. One of the main purposes of treatment is to transport oxygen to the lungs and other organs and eliminate carbon dioxide from the body.
Another purpose is to treat the cause of the disorder.1. Oxygen therapy, through a nasal cannula placed in the nose2. Tracheotomy, a surgically-made opening that goes through the front of the neck and into the trachea3. Ventilator, a breathing machine that forces air into the lungs. It also transports carbon dioxide out of the lungs.4. Other breathing treatments, such as noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NPPV), which utilizes mild air pressure to maintain the airways open5.
Fluids, often through an intravenous (IV) tube, to increase blood flow and nutrient6. Medicines to relieve discomfortTABLE OF CONTENTIntroductionC...