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 PaO 2 less than 60 mmHg PaCO 2 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