Respiratory Failure

Respiratory failure is when the amount of oxygen in the blood is significantly below normal or when the amount of carbon dioxide in the blood is significantly above normal. There are many causes for this condition including an overdose of narcotics or alcohol, airways obstruction, injuries to the lung tissues, weakness of the muscles that inflate the lungs, or almost anything that affects breathing.

The initial treatment for respiratory failure is giving oxygen. Treatment must also be directed to the underlying cause which if it is a bacterial infection will require antibiotics, for opening the airways bronchodilators are used, severely ill patients will receive mechanical ventilation to help in breathing or with some people, medication will be provided for prevention of blood clots or inflammation. Other types of treatment if necessary should be provided under direction of the doctor in charge.

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