Respiratory failure (breathing failure)
About Respiratory failure (breathing failure)
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 & Diagnostics
A history and physical exam will be performed. Tests that to identify the cause and the extent of the respiratory failure will be done, starting with a chest x-ray.Common tests: Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, D-Dimer, EKG, Troponin, Urinalysis (UA), X-ray.
Conventional treatment summary
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.Medical specialties
Pulmonology · Pediatric Pulmonology
This page is educational content, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment of Respiratory failure (breathing failure).