Respiratory Failure

DEFINITION

• Respiratory failure is a syndrome in which respiratory system fails to perform one or both of its main functions of gas exchange i.e. – Oxygenation– Carbon dioxide elimination

• PaO2 less than 60 mmHg

• PaCO2 more than 50 mmHg

DIAGNOSIS

• Chest X-ray

• Electrocardiogram (ECG)

• Echocardiography

• Arterial blood gases

DIAGNOSIS

• Pulmonary function test/ Spirometry

• Bronchoscopy

• Complete blood count

TREATMENT

• Mechanical ventilation • Emergency management includes

cardiopulmonary resuscitation• Treatment of underlying cause• Respiratory stimulants – Doxopram• Antibiotics• Bronchodilators• Improve cardiac functions

MECHANICAL VENTILATION

• Non-invasive– PEEP– Mask

• Invasive– ETT– Tracheostomy