Respiratory Failure (Breathing Failure)
Description
Respiratory failure results in inadequate oxygen delivery to the body and can lead to rapid death. The body's respiratory system is composed of the chest cavity and diaphragm, the lungs, the air tubes (trachea and bronchi) and the upper airway (mouth and throat). A disorder in any structure or a combination of these structures can cause a failure of the respiratory system.
Symptoms
Confusion, easy fatigue, lethargy, shortness of breath, sleepiness, blue discoloration of the skin (cyanosis), coma.
Tests
A history and physical exam will be performed. Tests that to identify the cause and the extent of the respiratory failure will be done.
- CBC
- Chem 12
- Troponin
- D-Dimer
- UA
- X-Ray
- EKG
- CT Scan
Treatment
Treatment is aimed at reversing the cause of the respiratory failure and maximizing the oxygen delivery to the body. Treatment includes: supplemental oxygen, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), and mechanical ventilation.
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