Respiratory Failure

• Main Author: Ezgi Ozyilmaz
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cukurova University 2014-06-01
• Series: Çukurova Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi Dergisi
• Subjects: Respiratory failure; pathophysiology; arterial blood gases; intensive care unit
• Online Access: http://www.scopemed.org/fulltextpdf.php?mno=157162

The main function of the lungs is to maintain the exchange between the pulmonary capillary and the air in the alveoli. By this way, the arteriel oxygen and carbondioxide tension remains constant. Respiratory failure is a syndrome which is defined as the loss of the ability of respiratory system to exchange oxygen and carbondioxide elimination function. The main pathophysiological causes of respiratory failure include ventilation-perfusion mismatch, alveolar hypoventilation, impaired diffusion capacity and increased shunt. A number of diseases may result in respiratory failure by different pathophysiological reasons. The most common causes are Type 1 (hypoxemic) and Type 2 (hypercapnic) respiratory failure. When suspected with clinical signs and symptoms, the diagnosis should be confirmed with arterial blood gases. At this step, other diagnostic interventions, which could be performed, may be used to enlighten the underlying pathophysiological cause. Although the main therapeutic approach is similar, specific treatment are also required based on the underlying cause. The basic pathophysiological points, diagnosis and basic treatment approach have been evaluated in this review article. [Cukurova Med J 2014; 39(3.000): 428-442]