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Respiratory failure is one of the diseases related to the respiratory tract. It is a disorder associated with the insufficient exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the body due to damage to the respiratory system. This disease, which causes various problems in the patient's daily life and manifests itself with specific complaints, has a high-risk factor if not treated. Here is a text for the ones who are curious about what respiratory failure is, its symptoms, and treatment methods.

What is Respiratory Failure?

The lungs are one of the critical organs of the respiratory system. Any lung problem damages the functions of the respiratory system and impairs oxygen intake to the body. Less oxygen transport to tissues and organs predisposes to the development of various diseases and disorders.

Respiratory failure is also a disease related to the lungs. In this condition, the lungs cannot function adequately or effectively. Therefore, the body's oxygen needs are not met, and functional problems occur in exhaling carbon dioxide produced in the body. It leads to the accumulation of toxic substances in the body. In addition, blood and other body fluids become more acidic than they should be. This condition is known as respiratory failure. Respiratory failure is also known as respiratory acidosis because it increases the acidity rate.

Respiratory failure, which can lead to severe complications, is divided into two subcategories:

  • Type 1 (Hypoxemic) Respiratory Failure: The condition of having less oxygen in the bloodstream than it should be.
  • Type 2 (Hypercapnic) Respiratory Failure: The condition of having more carbon dioxide in the bloodstream than it should be.

Both types of respiratory failure can cause quite serious problems. Therefore, the patient needs urgent intervention. Although there are two different types of respiratory failure, these two conditions can develop simultaneously and cause irreversible complications if not intervened on time.

What are the Symptoms of Respiratory Failure?

Respiratory failure presents symptoms depending on the blood's oxygen and carbon dioxide levels. Low oxygen levels in the blood result in symptoms such as difficulty breathing and shortness of breath. It also causes dry skin and discoloration of lips and nails. High levels of carbon dioxide in the blood can cause various tissue and organ poisoning. In addition, the accumulation of harmful substances in tissues and cells increases, leading to the observation of multiple symptoms. If the carbon dioxide level is high, complaints such as rapid breathing, confusion, and irregular heart rate occur.

In addition to these, they may present with the following symptoms;

  • Persistent fatigue and dizziness
  • Decision impairment due to insufficient oxygen in the heart and brain
  • Extreme headache
  • Muscle twitches
  • Panic attacks and seizures
  • Wheezing and coughing
  • Fainting
  • A bluish color change in the eyes, mouth, and nails called cyanosis
  • Impaired orientation

These symptoms may occur alone or in combination. If the abovementioned complaints are present, we recommend you consult a specialist without hesitation. Timely diagnosis and diagnostic methods are effective in saving the patient's life.

What Causes Respiratory Failure?

Problems related to the respiratory system can progress over time and lead to respiratory failure. Diseases of the muscles, nerves, tissues, and bones can damage the lungs. The causes of respiratory failure may differ depending on the disease type.

The leading causes of type 1 respiratory failure are listed as follows:

  • COPD 
  • Asthma, pneumonia, pneumothorax, cystic fibrosis, and bronchiectasis
  • Pulmonary edema
  • Obesity 
  • Covid-19

The leading causes of type 2 respiratory failure are:

  • Severe lung diseases such as asthma and COPD,
  • Poisoning due to drugs and similar reasons,
  • Disorders of muscles and nerves, such as muscular dystrophy, stroke, and paralysis,
  • Brain and spinal cord injuries,
  • Scoliosis-like diseases that affect the spine and damage the respiratory system,
  • Pulmonary edema.

Apart from these, tissue injuries and rib traumas in the lungs due to a blow to the chest area and a traffic accident may also cause deterioration in lung functions. Excessive alcohol and cigarette consumption, stove poisoning, or inhalation of harmful chemicals are also factors that threaten lung health. Patients with respiratory failure symptoms should consult chest diseases for proper treatment planning. Correct diagnosis and diagnostic methods effectively treat the disease on time and eliminate vital risks.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Respiratory Failure

Correct diagnosis and application of diagnostic methods in respiratory failure are life-saving. Information such as the complaints' level and the onset time is essential for an accurate diagnosis. In addition, it is necessary to check whether there is a color change in the patient's tissues. To confirm the diagnosis, we measure the oxygen level in the blood with the help of a pulse oximeter sensor. To treat the disease, first of all, it is necessary to identify the conditions that cause it. For this, various tests are available. Diagnostic methods used in the diagnosis of respiratory failure are:

  • Blood test
  • Atrial blood gas
  • Chest x-ray
  • Pulmonary function tests
  • Computed tomography

Atrial blood gas is a test used to measure the number of minerals in the patient's blood, the acidity level, and the amount of oxygen. Chest X-ray allows the detection of lung diseases that lead to respiratory failure. Pulmonary function tests are effective in detecting diseases such as COPD and asthma. Computed tomography, on the other hand, helps examine lung anatomy. According to the patient's complaints, one or more of these methods are required.

Respiratory Failure Treatment Methods

As a result of the diagnosis and diagnostic methods applied to the patient, we determine the cause of respiratory failure. At this stage, the treatment depends on the general health status of the patient and the cause of the disease. If the patient is a smoker, quitting is vital. Depending on the course of the disease, treatments are as follows:

  • Oxygen Therapy: It can be used at home for patients with low blood oxygen levels.
  • Non-invasive Ventilation: Air supplement through a mask.
  • Mechanical Ventilation: An intubation or tracheostomy tube is attached to the patient. The intubation tube is inserted through the mouth and into the lung airways. A tracheostomy is performed by opening a surgical hole in the larynx and placing a tube there. Both methods are effective in regulating patient respiratory function.

Medications that reduce airway obstruction and pulmonary rehabilitation are also helpful in treating respiratory failure. The primary purpose of treatment is to regulate the patient's respiratory functions as soon as possible and to prevent vital risks.

During the treatment process, closely related to the disease progression and the patient's general condition, patients should follow the specialist physician's recommendations and plan regular visits. Patients should quit smoking. As part of the treatment, light exercise and sports programs can be prescribed to the patient under a physician's supervision so that the lungs can recover.

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