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Respiratory Failure

Authors:
  • Amy Scholten, MPH
Publication Type:

Condition

Respiratory Failure

(Acute Respiratory Failure; Chronic Respiratory Failure)

Definition

Respiratory failure is a problem getting gases in and out of the blood. Oxygen helps the body work well. Carbon dioxide is a waste product made in the body. It needs to pass out of the body through the lungs. Respiratory failure may be:

  • Low levels of oxygen in the blood
  • High levels of carbon dioxide in the blood
  • Both low oxygen levels and high carbon dioxide levels

This condition can be life-threatening.

There are two types of respiratory failure:

  • Acute—starts fast
  • Chronic—happens slowly over time
Oxygen Exchange in the Lungs.

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Causes

Respiratory failure is caused by conditions or injuries that affect breathing. It may be due to:

  • Problems with lungs or airways
  • Problems with bones, muscles, or nerves that help breathing

Breathing problems make it hard for lungs to move oxygen to blood or remove carbon dioxide.

Risk Factors

Things that raise the risk of acute respiratory failure are:

  • Injuries to the lungs or chest
  • Drug or alcohol abuse
  • Stroke
  • Inhaling smoke or fumes
  • Severe head injury
  • Choking or drowning
  • Sudden illnesses

Things that raise the risk of chronic respiratory failure are:

Symptoms

Symptoms depend on the cause. They also depend on levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood.

Low oxygen levels can cause:

  • Problems breathing
  • Bluish color to the skin, lips, and fingernails
  • Sleepiness
  • Uneven heartbeats

A buildup of carbon dioxide can cause:

  • Fast breathing
  • Confusion

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about symptoms and past health. A physical exam will be done. The doctor will listen for lung sounds.

Tests will check oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the blood. They include:

  • Blood tests
  • Oximetry—a small clip on the finger, toe, or ear, that measures oxygen in the blood

Images of the chest and lungs may be done—to look for causes or injuries.

Treatment

The goal is to improve oxygen or carbon dioxide levels in the body. Treatment depends on how severe the condition is.

Prevention

There are no steps to prevent respiratory failure due to an accident.

Management of lung illness can prevent or slow respiratory failure. Helpful steps are:

  • Not smoking
  • Getting advised vaccines
RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

References

  • Acute respiratory failure—approach to the patient. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/approach-to/acute-respiratory-failure-approach-to-the-patient.
  • Lamba TS, Sharara RS, et al. Pathophysiology and classification of respiratory failure. Crit Care Nurs Q. 2016;39(2):85-93.
  • Overview of respiratory failure. The Merck Manual Professional Edition. Available at: https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/critical-care-medicine/respiratory-failure-and-mechanical-ventilation/overview-of-respiratory-failure.
  • Respiratory failure. National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute website. Available at: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/respiratory-failure.

Contributors

  • April Scott, NP
Last Updated:
2023-09-01

(C) Copyright 2023 EBSCO Information Services

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.