Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Respiratory failure
Introduction
Respiratory failure occurs when not enough oxygen passes from your lungs into your blood. Your body’s organs, such as your heart and brain, need oxygen-rich blood to work well. Respiratory failure also can happen if your lungs can’t remove carbon dioxide (a waste gas) from your blood. Too much carbon dioxide in your blood can harm your body’s organs.
What causes Respiratory failure?
Diseases and conditions that affect your breathing can cause respiratory failure. Examples include
- Lung diseases such as COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, and cystic fibrosis
- Conditions that affect the nerves and muscles that control breathing, such as spinal cord injuries, muscular dystrophy and stroke
- Damage to the tissues and ribs around the lungs. An injury to the chest can cause this damage.
- Drug or alcohol overdose
- Injuries from inhaling smoke or harmful fumes
Treatment options
Treatment for respiratory failure depends on whether the condition is acute (short-term) or chronic (ongoing) and how severe it is. It also depends on the underlying cause. You may receive oxygen therapy and other treatment to help you breathe.
Where to find medical care for Respiratory failure?
Directions to Hospitals Treating Respiratory failure
Sources
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Kalsang Dolma, M.B.B.S.[2]
Want to know more?
A more detailed clinical article for the same condition is available from WikiDoc. It is written for medical professionals and uses technical language.