People with respiratory failure will not be able to breathe on their own because respiratory failure occurs when lung can’t get enough oxygen into the blood As a result, a person will have difficulty breathing and may need oxygen therapy. It is essential to seek prompt medical attention without any delay.
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Arvind Kate, pulmonologist at Zen General Hospital, shared: “Respiratory failure is observed when the respiratory system cannot remove enough carbon dioxide. accumulate in your body. Respiratory failure can be classified into two types – acute and chronic respiratory failure: hypoxia and hypercapnia. You will be shocked to learn that these deadly conditions can lead to serious complications.”
He adds, “Furthermore, hypoxic or hypoxic respiratory failure occurs when a person does not have the required amount of oxygen in the blood. A person is known to have respiratory failure or hypercapnia when there is a large amount of carbon dioxide in the blood.”
Talking about the cause of respiratory failure, he revealed: “A person can have respiratory failure due to a blockage in the throat if something is stuck there, the spinal cord or brain injury affects the breathing process. Furthermore, acute respiratory distress syndrome due to pneumonia, sepsis, head trauma, and pancreatitis can also lead to respiratory failure. In addition, inhalation of smoke (from a fire) or toxic fumes can lead to this condition.”
For risk factors, he highlights smoking, alcohol consumption, family history of respiratory illnesses or conditions, weakened immune systems, and chronic respiratory diseases, such as lung cancer. , COPD or asthma can cause respiratory failure. According to him, “People who are known to have low oxygen levels may experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, sleepiness, and difficulty performing daily activities, such as getting dressed or climbing stairs because of fatigue. People with high carbon dioxide levels tend to have shortness of breath, confusion, and headaches. A person will be offered treatment once the diagnosis is confirmed.”
Regarding complications, Dr Arvind Kate said: “Uncontrolled respiratory failure can be fatal for you. It can lead to pulmonary embolism, pulmonary fibrosis, pneumonia, pneumothorax (collapsed lungs), kidney (kidney) failure, and liver (liver) failure. Referring to the treatment, he said, “If you are having difficulty then you will be prescribed pain relievers to help you breathe comfortably. Even a breathing tube can be inserted into your mouth or nose and connected to a ventilator to allow you to breathe. Oxygen therapy may be recommended to help you breathe. Alternatively, a tracheostomy can even be performed if needed.”
