Demystifying Acute Respiratory Failure: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Acute respiratory failure occurs when the lungs are unable to release enough oxygen into the blood, causing the body's organs to not function properly. This also happens when the lungs are unable to remove carbon dioxide from the blood. Respiratory failure occurs when the capillaries, or tiny blood vessels surrounding your air sacs, can't properly exchange carbon dioxide and oxygen.

There are two types of respiratory failure: Acute and Chronic.

Acute respiratory failure occurs suddenly. It is caused by a disease or injury that stops the lungs' ability to deliver oxygen or remove carbon dioxide. In most cases, acute respiratory failure can be fatal if not treated promptly. There are many causes of chronic respiratory failure. This can happen when the airways become smaller or damaged over time. It can also occur in conditions that weaken the respiratory muscles over time. Some causes of chronic respiratory failure include:

• Damaged Or Narrow Airways
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
• Bronchiectasis
• Asthma
• Pulmonary Fibrosis
• Pneumonia
• Interstitial Lung Disease
• Respiratory Muscle Weakness

Read more - (Respiratory Therapists)

There are two types of acute and chronic respiratory failure: Hypoxemic and Hypercapnic. Both conditions can lead to serious complications, and they often occur together. Hypoxemic respiratory failure, or hypoxemia, occurs when there is not enough oxygen in your blood. Hypercapnic respiratory failure, or hypercapnia, occurs when there is too much carbon dioxide in your blood.

Read more - (Lung Disease)

Symptoms of acute respiratory failure depend on its underlying cause. Symptoms may also vary depending on the amount of oxygen and carbon dioxide in your blood. People with low oxygen may experience:

• Difficulty Breathing
• Blue Color On Lips, Fingers, Or Toes
• Unconsciousness
• Excessive Fatigue

People with high carbon dioxide levels may experience:

• Rapid Breathing
• Confusion
• Blurred Vision
• Headache

Read more - (Shortness of Breath)

There are several causes of acute respiratory failure:

Something Stuck In The Windpipe
When something gets stuck in the throat, it can cause trouble getting enough oxygen into the lungs. Such blockage can also occur in people with COPD or asthma, when the airways become narrow due to excess pressure.

Injury
Many times an injury impairs or disrupts the respiratory system, negatively affecting the amount of oxygen or carbon dioxide in your blood. For example, a spinal cord or brain injury can immediately affect your breathing. If the brain can't send messages to the lungs, the lungs can't function properly. Rib or chest injuries can also affect your breathing.

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a serious condition that causes fluid to accumulate in the lungs. As a result, oxygen in the blood decreases. People who develop ARDS usually have an underlying health condition, such as:

• Pneumonia
• Pancreatic Problems
• Head Or Chest Trauma
• Blood Transfusions
• Lung Injuries Related To Inhalation Of Smoke Or Chemical Products

Drug Or Alcohol Use
Taking too many drugs or drinking too much alcohol can also impair brain functioning and interfere with breathing.

Chemical Inhalation
Inhaling toxic chemicals or smoke can cause acute respiratory failure. These chemicals can injure or damage lung tissue, including the alveoli and capillaries.

Stroke
Stroke occurs when something disrupts blood flow to the brain. Stroke often affects only one part of the brain. However, warning signs such as slurred speech or confusion may appear when a stroke occurs. If you have a stroke, you may lose the ability to breathe.

Infection
Infection may cause respiratory problems. Pneumonia can also cause respiratory failure.

Who Is At Risk For Acute Respiratory Failure?
You may be at risk for acute respiratory failure if you:

• Smoke Tobacco Products
• Binge Drinking
• Have A Family History Of Respiratory Diseases Or Conditions
• Injury To The Spine, Brain, Or Chest
• Weak Immune System
• Lung Cancer

Acute respiratory failure requires immediate medical attention. You may need supplemental oxygen to help you breathe and prevent organ damage. When you are in a stable condition, the doctor can do the following tests like –

• Perform Physical Examination
• Asking Questions About Personal Or Family Health History
• Checking Your Body's Oxygen And Carbon Dioxide Levels With A Pulse Oximetry Device And Arterial Blood Gas Testing
• Lung And Chest X-ray

Complications Of Acute Respiratory Failure
Acute respiratory failure means that your organs are not getting oxygenated blood to function, which can lead to many problems which can be fatal such as -

• Pneumonia
• Pneumothorax
• Gastrointestinal Bleeding
• Liver Failure

Doctors should treat acute respiratory failure immediately, as it can be life-threatening. Emergency medical treatment can help you breathe and prevent further organ damage. Once you're in a stable condition, the doctor can treat any underlying conditions causing your respiratory failure. As -

• If You Are In Pain Or Having Difficulty Breathing, The Doctor May Prescribe Pain Relievers Or Other Medications To Help You Breathe Better.
• If You Can't Breathe Adequately, The Doctor May Put A Breathing Tube In Your Mouth Or Nose And Connect The Tube To A Ventilator To Help You Breathe.
• If You Can Breathe Adequately On Your Own And Your Hypoxemia Is Mild, You May Need Supplemental Oxygen From An Oxygen Tank To Help You Breathe Better. This May Include A Portable Air Tank.
• If You Need A Ventilator For A Long Time, You May Need A Tracheostomy. This Operation Creates An Artificial Airway In The Breathing Pipe.

You can recover from acute respiratory failure, but immediate medical attention is necessary. This may include any physical trauma that caused respiratory failure, and any procedures or medications you received while you were in the hospital. If you don't treat it quickly, acute respiratory failure can result in death. If you experience symptoms of acute respiratory failure, seek immediate medical care.

Acute respiratory failure requires immediate medical attention or it can be fatal. Causes may include injury or blockage in your airways. Symptoms may include trouble breathing or dizziness. If you experience any symptoms, consult your doctor as soon as possible.