Pulmonary Hypertension

When respiratory failure develops slowly, pressure in the blood vessels in the lungs builds up which causes the condition of pulmonary hypertension. This is a dangerous condition and if not treated will cause damage to the blood vessels. This interferes with supplying oxygen to the blood, placing stress on the heart, perhaps causing heart failure.

The initial treatment for respiratory failure is giving oxygen. Usually the amount given is more than required unless the patient has chronic respiratory insufficiency. Treatment must also be directed to the underlying cause which requires antibiotics, if it is a bacteria infection, bronchodilators are used to open airways and other medication may be necessary for prevention of blood clots or for inflammation. Severely ill patients may need mechanical ventilation for help in breathing. Additional treatment may be required as needed under direction of the doctor in charge.

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