Respiratory failure

Definition

When pulmonary gas exchange fails to maintain normal arterial O2 and CO2 level

Normally,

PaO2=12-15KPa(If <8 KPa)

PaCO2=4.5-6KPa(If >6.6 KPa)

Done by

1.Arterial blood gas analysis/ABGA(Radial/femoral artery)

2.Pulse oxymetry for O2 saturation if ABGA not done(Non invasive test)-Normally >97%

Types

Type-1-When normal/low PaCO2 and reduced  PaO2

             Not emergency case

             40-60% O2 by mask

Type-2-When increased PaCO2 and reduced PaO2/ventilatory failure

             Emergency case

             24-28% O2 by venturi mask

Causes

Type-1(Cyanosis for hypoxia)

1.Acute asthma

2.Pneumonia

3.ARDS

4.Pul. embolism

5.Pul. edema

Type-2(C/Fs given in COPD topic + cyanosis for hypoxia )

1.Acute severe asthma

2.Exacerbation of COPD

3.Upper RT obstruction

4.GBS

5.Narcotic injury

6.Flial chest injury

Treatment

1.According to cause

2.Commonly occurs for asthma ,so Rx Asthma

3.If no improvement ,then ICU support